2023-10-01 16:49:37
It was a seemingly absurd scene that took place last week in front of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR): Six children and young people went before the court because they saw their fundamental rights threatened by the ever-increasing global warming – compared to them there were over 80 lawyers. This armada of legal experts was supposed to defend the 32 states that sued the children. The fact that the ECHR admitted the complaint and even heard it orally makes it one of the most important climate lawsuits. A conviction might not only have financial consequences for the states, but also have an enormous impact on future climate policy. The lawsuit was triggered by devastating fires in Portugal, in which over 100 people died and huge areas of forest were destroyed. The children argue that climate change has further fueled the flames and demand comprehensible consequences from those responsible, commonly known as the accused countries – including Austria. They should finally reduce their emissions and implement the climate goals they have set for themselves quickly and consistently.
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#climate #action #children #Julia #Beirer
