In the ongoing worldwide fight for climate justice, the courtroom has become just as important and just as probable as a protest march. Over the past decade, legal action has emerged as a powerful tool for holding governments and corporations accountable for their role in the current climate crisis. A recent report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law explains how climate litigation is the key to shaping policies, setting legal examples, and pushing for change.
The UNEP report shows that about 2,365 climate-related lawsuits have been filed worldwide, up to 200 cases in 2023 alone. The reported lawsuits cover various topics and issues, from challenging government inaction to exposing corporate greenwashing. With every extreme weather event and evident signs of the climate crisis, more people are turning to the legal systems to demand accountability and action across the globe.
The United States remains the leading country for climate litigation and indictment. For instance, a non-profit law center ‘Our Children’s Trust’ in Oregon, has filed climate lawsuits and legal action in all 50 states. Their most well-known case, Juliana v. United States, where 21 young adults argued that the US government had violated their constitutional rights by failing to protect the environment, has been sent back to trial by the Supreme Court. However, the movement is far from limited to America, as other countries, such as Switzerland, France, and Australia, have faced lawsuits at the Court of Human Rights.
Not only have governments been under legal scrutiny, but large corporations heavily involved in the fossil fuel and coal industries are facing lawsuits for their role in climate change. In the United States, courts have ruled that lawsuits against oil and gas corporations can proceed at the state level, making thousands of legal cases easier for plaintiffs to win. Cases like these set an example for corporations to be held financially responsible for climate damage.
A popular and growing area of climate legal action targets misleading environmental claims, known as greenwashing. These companies falsely advertise their products or policies as being more environmentally friendly than they actually are. For example, the fifth biggest dairy company in the world, Arla Foods, was banned from using the term “net zero climate footprint” after it was discovered the company was adding methane-suppressing additive (called Bovaer) into cow food in attempts to reduce methane production from the dairy cows. Greenwashing legal cases are crucial in pushing companies to be transparent about their environmental impact and ensuring they cannot continue getting away with deceptive marketing.
As climate lawsuits become more popular and common in legal systems, a new system of environmental law is being shaped. Currently, courts are beginning to look at cases beyond their borders, with many setting global legal standards for climate accountability. For the future, the UNEP report predicts more lawsuits related to climate migration in the upcoming years, as people forced to move due to climate change seek legal protection and compensation.
However, not every legal case is a success. Legal pushback from large corporations is used to delay climate policies, and some companies are even pursuing compensation for regulations that impact their profits. Even climate activists face increasing criminal charges in many countries for their fight against climate change. These legal battles increase the tensions between those pushing for climate action and those resisting change.
Climate litigation is proving to be a critical tool in the global fight against climate change. While not every case wins, even unsuccessful lawsuits can shape public narratives and influence policy decisions. As the climate crisis spirals, the courtroom may remain a crucial battleground for justice in the future.
It's great to hear that many of these lawsuits come from younger people. I remember that being a successful point in Fire Weather.
ReplyDeletewell said i remember in class as well Mr. web said that a lot of people tend to listen up when younger people talk about these issues
DeleteWhat’s crazy is that I have never even heard of these lawsuits. It makes me so happy to see people’s ways of advocating for change. It is very unfortunate that we need horrific natural disasters for the government to even look in our direction, especially now knowing about all of these lawsuits.
ReplyDeleteI am actually surprised that there were only 200 climate related cases filed in 2023, however 200 cases is still a lot. One of the biggest examples of greenwashing that I know of is DTE’s involvement in carbon offsets.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting to see lawsuits arise as a form of climate activism, and I definitely agree that these lawsuits hold the same importance as protests being held. I hope that these lawsuits can lead to some long lasting progress on the front of the climate crisis.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of any of these lawsuits, but this is seemingly the only way to get noticed and get justice for what people are thinking and believe that there are no consequences.
ReplyDeleteChanging and implement new laws is huge part of fighting against climate change. I did not about the term greenwashing and how companies use it to mislead their viewers.
ReplyDeleteWe have to stay vigilant in our scrutinizing of the policys and laws being made. We cannot back down from the fight. I have loved seeing videos of people coming together over different topics because they believe so strongly for the cause. That is what we need!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Eva! It’s powerful to see climate litigation becoming a major force for accountability, especially with cases against governments and corporations gaining traction. Greenwashing lawsuits are particularly interesting—do you think stricter regulations will eventually make deceptive marketing a thing of the past, or will companies always find loopholes?
ReplyDeleteI love this. It's nice to know that there are ways people can get justice for these climate issues however, the power of these large corporations can feel discouraging.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting that companies use terms like "cruelty free" or
ReplyDelete"net zero carbon emissions" as a tactic to make more money, even if they are going about making that promise in an unethical way. Animal testing is a great injustice, and I have spent a lot of time researching it, so it makes me sad to think our dairy cows aren't just abused to work for us as slaves to the economy, but they are also being drugged to no benefit of anyone.
I have seen several posts and news on social media even, about climate change activists and protests trying to make a difference in ways to fight against big companies. It's sad to see how little impact it seems to have but nonetheless, it's essential that we continue standing up for the environment. Even just buying from companies that claim to have less pollution or cruelty-free products in the market.
ReplyDeleteClimate lawsuits are becoming a powerful force for climate justice, holding governments and corporations accountable for their environmental impact. Even when unsuccessful, these cases influence public opinion, shape policies, and drive systemic change.
ReplyDeleteLeveraging the law to our advantage is an excellent strategy for finally getting some worthwhile changes implemented. After the legal precedent is set that private entities can be held responsible for their damage, I'd imagine there will be an even larger surge of cases meant to hold them accountable.
ReplyDeleteI found this post super interesting as I like to regularly post about the goings on of popular climate lawsuits. You provide a really comprehensive view showing both the advantages and the pitfalls of the legal route.
ReplyDeleteHow do you think the rise in climate litigation will impact future climate policies?
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that the people are trying to make more change with these lawsuits. It begs the question, how many of these lawsuits will prove successful?
ReplyDeleteIt is devastating how not only are rich countries like the U.S. responsible for emitting these insane amounts of greenhouse gases, but are taking extreme lengths to hide it. It only says that these corporations are aware of the damage they're doing, and it's sad how it takes filing lawsuits to expose their destructive practices. I can only hope that these litigations will do enough to reduce climate impact.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a thorough and thoughtful post. I had no idea that these issues were being brought to court and it's actually a really great idea. I am so glad you defined greenwashing and thoroughly described how it affects us. This post was so informative and so well written.
ReplyDeleteThese climate lawsuits are such an important dimension of addressing the polluters and greenwashers. In the United States I fear our current Republican dominated Supreme Court which will have the final say on lawsuits. Young people must have a liveable future!
ReplyDeleteThe best way to hurt the top corporations is quite literally to aim at those pockets, that will be the most effective way to create change. the more lawsuits the better
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