How Climate Change Battles Are Increasingly Being Fought, And Won, In Court

Citizens have various ways, on multiple scales, of fighting climate change through civil engagement. One that is becoming increasingly powerful is to fight legal battles in court. A recent example: "The South African government has lost the country’s first climate change lawsuit after the high court ruled against its plans for a coal-fired power station, the latest in a rising tide of international climate litigation." This case joins similar ones in Austria, the Netherlands, and others across Europe, Asia and the US. 

Court cases like these have shown the effectiveness of climate change litigation. But there are other benefits. "Aside from highlighting the obligations of governments to protect their citizens from foreseeable harm, these cases have the considerable advantage of putting the facts of climate change on the public record ... While it might be expedient for politicians to obfuscate these facts, it is another matter altogether to produce evidence to substantiate their position in court." The precedents set can also pave the way for more aggressive action on climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as mobilize the public on various issues of climate and environmental change. 

Whether politicians and executive officials are dragging their feet or actively working against environmental policy, courts have historically been great tools of change regarding environmental issues like pollution. Climate change is the ultimate challenge, and citizens know that they must use all strategies available to them to move quickly on climate action.