Six Young People Take 32 Countries to Court Over Wildfires and Heat Waves<br />In an unprecedented case, six young people from Portugal are taking 32 European countries to court over their failure to address the climate crisis.<br />These claimants, aged between 11 and 24, argue that they are on the frontlines of climate change and demand that these countries accelerate their climate action.<br />This case, filed with the European Court of Human Rights, is the first of its kind and has the potential to set a precedent for other climate lawsuits worldwide.<br />The catalyst for this lawsuit was the devastating wildfires that struck Portugal in 2017, claiming over 100 lives and burning 500,000 hectares of land.<br />The claimants, who were directly affected by these fires, argue that climate change continues to impact their lives, particularly through intense heat waves.<br />They highlight the difficulties they face in going outside, concentrating on schoolwork, and even breathing during these periods.<br />The claimants express their concerns about their future and the need for urgent action.<br />The lawsuit, filed in 2020, argues that the failure to address the climate crisis violates the claimants' human rights, including their rights to life, family life, and freedom from discrimination.<br />They demand that the 32 countries drastically reduce their planet-heating pollution and hold companies within their borders accountable for emissions across their supply chains.<br />The countries being sued, however, claim that the claimants have not suffered serious harm due to climate change.<br />The court could dismiss the claim on procedural grounds or decide it lacks jurisdiction.<br />If the court rules in favor of the claimants, it would force all 32 countries to accelerate their climate action.<br />This decision would have far-reaching implications, inspiring more climate cases throughout Europe and beyond.<br />On the other hand, a ruling against the claimants could be damaging to other climate claims.<br />The judgment, if in favor of the claimants, would act as a legally binding treaty.<br />As extreme weather events worsen, climate litigation is becoming an increasingly popular tool to drive climate action.<br />With over 2,400 climate lawsuits globally, people are turning to the courts to hold governments and companies accountable for their contributions to the climate crisis.<br />However, climate litigation is just one piece of the puzzle, and continued advocacy and international climate conferences are also crucial in addressing the climate emergency.<br />The outcome of this case will have significant implications for climate action and the fight against the climate crisis.<br />The claimants hope for a positive outcome, but regardless of the court's decision, their efforts have already brought attention to the urgent need for action.<br />This David and Goliath case has the potential to reshape the way countries address the climate crisis and protect the rights of their citizens.<br />#latestnews #news #cnn
