In a landmark case, six young people from Portugal have sued 32 European nations at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). For failing to protect them against climate change. The case is the largest of its kind in the world. And it could have far-reaching implications for the way that governments held accountable for their climate action.

The plaintiffs in the case argue that the 32 defendant countries’ climate policies are inadequate. And in breach of their human rights obligations. They say that climate change is already harming their lives and their future prospects. And that governments have a duty to protect them from these harms.

six young people from Portugal have sued 32 European nations at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The case heard by a panel of 17 judges at the ECHR in Strasbourg, France. The trial expected to last for several days. And it will watched closely by climate activists and governments around the world.

The young people who are suing the governments are aged between 11 and 24. They come from different parts of Portugal, and they have all been affected by climate change in different ways.

One of the plaintiffs, Catarina Mota, said that she was inspired to take action after she witnessed the devastating wildfires that ripped through Portugal in 2017. She said that the fires caused her and her family to evacuate their home, and that they had to live in a shelter for several weeks.

Another plaintiff, André Silva, said that he is concerned about the impact of climate change on his future health and well-being. He said that he suffers from asthma, and that the heatwaves and air pollution caused by climate change are making his condition worse.

The plaintiffs’ lawyers will argue that the 32 defendant countries are violating the plaintiffs’ human rights to life, health, and a clean environment. They will also argue that the countries’ climate policies discriminatory against young people, who disproportionately affected by climate change.

The defendant countries have denied any wrongdoing. They argue that they are taking action to address climate change, and that they are meeting their international commitments.

Why is this case important?

This case is important because it is the first time that so many countries have sued for climate inaction in a single case. It also the first time that a case of this kind has heard by the ECHR. Which is one of the most important human rights courts in the world.

If the plaintiffs are successful, it could set a precedent for other young people around the world to sue their governments for climate inaction. It could also force governments to take more ambitious action to reduce emissions and protect people from the impacts of climate change.

Andre Oliveira (centre left) Catarine Mota (centre right) siblings Martim, Mariana and Claudia Agostinho protest outside the European Court of Human Rights, where they are accusing 32 European governments of violating their human rights for what they say is a failure to adequately address climate change, September 27, 2023, in Strasbourg

What do the plaintiffs hope to achieve?

The plaintiffs hope to achieve two main things with their case. First, they want to force governments to take more ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Second, they want to raise awareness of the human rights impacts of climate change. And to ensure that young people’s voices heard in the debate about climate action.

The outcome of the case is uncertain. However, even if the plaintiffs do not win their case, it could still have a significant impact. The trial is raising awareness of the human rights implications of climate change. It could put pressure on governments to take more ambitious action.

The case also seen as a test case for other countries around the world. If the young people are successful, it could lead to a wave of similar lawsuits against governments in other jurisdictions.

Implications of the case

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the way that governments held accountable for their climate action. If the plaintiffs are successful, it could set a precedent for other climate activists to sue governments for failing to protect them from the harms of climate change.

The case could also lead to governments required to take more ambitious climate action. If the ECHR finds that the 32 defendant countries’ climate policies are inadequate. It could order them to take further steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The case also watched closely by businesses and investors. If the ECHR finds that governments have a legal duty to protect their citizens from the harms of climate change. It could have implications for corporate liability. Businesses could held accountable for their role in climate change. And investors could be more likely to divest from fossil fuel companies.

The outcome of this case will closely watched by climate activists, governments, businesses, and investors around the world. It has the potential to have a significant impact on the way that climate change addressed.