Climate Change Court Cases Double Worldwide, UNEP Report Shows

Climate change litigation is on the rise globally, with the total number of court cases more than doubling since 2017, according to a new report published by the UN Environment Programme and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University. The report, titled Global Climate Litigation Report: 2023 Status Review, highlights the increasing importance of legal action in securing climate action and justice.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, emphasized the urgent need for stronger climate policies to combat the escalating climate crisis. With extreme weather events already impacting the planet, people are turning to the courts to hold governments and the private sector accountable for their role in climate change.

The report showcases key climate litigation cases from the past two years, demonstrating the growing body of legal precedent in this field. The number of climate change cases has more than doubled since 2017, with a significant increase in cases being reported in developing countries, including Small Island Developing States.

The report also highlights the diverse range of climate litigation cases, including those brought by children and youth, senior women, and Indigenous peoples. Cases have challenged government decisions, sought to hold corporations accountable for climate harm, and addressed failures to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Courts are increasingly recognizing the human rights implications of climate change, leading to greater protections for vulnerable groups and increased accountability for governments and corporations. The report predicts a rise in cases related to climate migration, extreme weather events, and challenges to regulations promoting climate action.

Key climate litigation cases covered in the report include the UN Human Rights Committee finding Australia in violation of its human rights obligations to Torres Strait Islanders, Brazil’s Supreme Court recognizing the Paris Agreement as a human rights treaty, and a Dutch court ordering oil and gas company Shell to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions.

Overall, the report underscores the vital role of climate litigation in driving climate action and promoting climate justice worldwide. As the number of cases continues to grow, courts are playing an increasingly important role in holding stakeholders accountable for their contributions to the climate crisis.