All around the world, kids are taking action in the fight to stop climate change in more ways than one including taking their protests to the courtroom. Over the past couple of years, an increasing number of kids have been suing their governments for climate inaction. A lawsuit made against the Dutch government ended successfully with Dutch authorities being ordered to reduce carbon emissions by 25% within five years. In Belgium, after years of delay the case for climate action is expected to proceed soon and in Columbia, protestors convinced the high court to reverse a decision denying their climate change lawsuit against the government.
In the U.S currently, Julianna v U.S made in 2015 is continuing to make progress. In fact, in July 2018 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Trump Administration’s attempt to dismiss it and in June 2019 nonprofit Our Children’s Trust argued for action. As I write this post, more and more groups from all over the world are standing up against their government in this important fight for our future.
The progress feels slow but we are making progress. As the future leaders and workers of the planet, we deserve the right to dictate what happens to it. We need to continue to support those in the fight and join in if we want a chance at proving to the authorities that Earth is worth it.