Articles tagged with "climate-litigation"
Federal Judge Dismisses Climate Lawsuit In Montana - CleanTechnica
A federal judge in Montana dismissed a climate lawsuit filed by a group of young plaintiffs represented by the public interest law firm Our Children’s Trust. The plaintiffs sought to block the enforcement of three executive orders promoting fossil fuel use, arguing these orders violated their constitutional rights to a clean and healthy environment. The case featured testimony from expert witnesses, including prominent environmental economists and former White House advisor John Podesta, who warned that the orders would exacerbate the climate crisis and harm public health and safety. US District Court Judge Dana Christensen expressed discomfort with the complex legal issues involved and questioned the practicality of granting an injunction that would require him to potentially oversee and block numerous fossil fuel–related policies across multiple agencies. He highlighted the challenge of enforcing such a broad injunction and indicated caution, noting the case would likely be appealed to higher courts. The plaintiffs aimed to restore the regulatory status quo as of January 19, before the executive orders were signed, but the judge remained skeptical about the feasibility and scope of such relief. The
energyclimate-changefossil-fuelsclean-energyenvironmental-lawclimate-litigationrenewable-energyThe ICJ Rules That Failing to Combat Climate Change Could Violate International Law
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion stating that countries failing to take decisive action against climate change may be violating international law and could be held liable for damages caused to humanity. The ICJ, the UN’s highest judicial body, unanimously emphasized the urgent and existential nature of the climate crisis, declaring that a “clean, healthy, and sustainable environment” is a human right. This framing elevates climate change from an environmental or economic issue to one of justice and fundamental rights, potentially influencing future international legislation and litigation by making it easier to hold polluting states accountable. The advisory opinion arose from a 2019 initiative by students from Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation vulnerable to climate impacts, who sought legal recognition of government inaction on climate change as an existential risk. The ICJ analyzed obligations under key international treaties—including the UN Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Paris Agreement, and Kyoto Protocol—and concluded that states must act with due diligence to prevent environmental harm caused
energyclimate-changeinternational-lawgreenhouse-gas-emissionsenvironmental-justicesustainable-environmentclimate-litigationState-Owned Oil Giants Face Legal Reckoning After ICJ Climate Judgment - CleanTechnica
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), led by Judge Yuji Iwasawa, issued a landmark advisory opinion on July 23, 2025, declaring climate change an existential threat and affirming that countries have legal responsibilities under international law to prevent significant environmental harm. While the ruling is non-binding, it carries substantial symbolic and persuasive weight, reinforcing obligations from agreements like the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The opinion states that countries failing to reduce emissions or continuing fossil fuel subsidies may be committing internationally wrongful acts, potentially incurring liability including obligations to cease harmful activities and provide reparations if causation is proven. However, the advisory nature means no direct enforcement mechanism exists, and the ruling lacks specificity on exact state actions required. This ICJ opinion is expected to significantly influence climate litigation worldwide, as domestic courts can now cite the highest international judicial authority to demand increased governmental climate action. A key focus is on state-owned petroleum companies such as Saudi Aramco, Gazprom
energyclimate-changeinternational-lawfossil-fuelsclimate-litigationsustainabilityenvironmental-policyNew Data On Fossil Fuel Industry Emissions Could Play Pivotal Role In Climate Litigation
energyclimate-changefossil-fuelsemissionscarbon-footprintsustainabilityclimate-litigation