Gerry Liston: Senior Lawyer Making Waves in Climate Change Litigation

Gerry Liston, a senior lawyer at the Global Legal Action Network, has recently made headlines for his representation of six Portuguese young people in a groundbreaking climate change case. The case, Duarte Agostinho and Others v Portugal and Others, was brought against 32 European states, alleging that the youths’ human rights were violated due to inadequate climate change policies.

While the European Court of Human Rights ultimately ruled the claim inadmissible, they did find partially in favor of a separate claim brought against Switzerland. Liston commented on the case, stating that the Grand Chamber’s decision to require ECHR signatories to adopt science-based emissions targets aligned with 1.5°C is a major development. He emphasized the importance of limiting contributions to emissions released outside borders through the importation of carbon-intensive goods, a central claim in the case.

Liston also highlighted the need for domestic courts throughout Europe to rely on these obligations moving forward to ensure the effective protection of human rights. He expressed concerns about governments “cooking the numbers” on emissions targets, warning that current efforts could lead to catastrophic consequences.

When asked about his motivation for becoming a lawyer, Liston cited a belief in the power of legal action to promote progressive change, particularly in reinforcing the efforts of civil society organizations and grassroots movements. He described supporting the six youth-applicants in the Duarte Agostinho case as a career highlight, praising their courage.

Despite facing challenges in presenting complex legal arguments and climate science to the media, Liston remains committed to his work. He reflected on career highs and lows, noting the importance of feeling part of a wider movement in the fight against climate change. As the Irish saying goes, “Ní neart go cur le chéile” – there’s no strength without togetherness.