The young climate activists in Oregon have taken their long-running lawsuit against the federal government to the U.S. Supreme Court. The lawsuit argues that they have a constitutional right to a climate that sustains life. The case was initially filed in 2015 by 21 plaintiffs who were between the ages of 8 and 18 at the time. Despite challenges from the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations, the activists have continued to push for their case to be heard in court.
In May, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals directed a federal judge in Oregon to dismiss the case. The activists are now asking the Supreme Court to reverse this decision and send the case back to federal court in Oregon for a trial. The nonprofit law firm representing the activists, Our Children’s Trust, believes that the ruling by the appeals court was an overreach and is seeking to uphold the rule of law in the judicial system. The activists are hoping that the Supreme Court will allow their case to proceed.
Another successful climate lawsuit brought by young people was upheld by the Montana Supreme Court earlier this year. This landmark decision requires regulators to consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions before issuing permits for fossil fuel development. Our Children’s Trust has been involved in climate lawsuits in every state on behalf of young plaintiffs since 2010. The organization has been at the forefront of the fight for environmental justice and is determined to hold governments and corporations accountable for their contributions to climate change.
The lawsuit filed by the young activists in Oregon is part of a larger movement of youth-led climate action across the country. Young people are increasingly taking legal action to demand that governments and corporations take meaningful steps to address the climate crisis. By bringing their cases to the courts, these activists are seeking to hold those in power accountable and protect the planet for future generations. The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to hear the case will have far-reaching implications for the future of climate activism in the United States.
Climate change is a pressing issue that affects everyone, but it is especially critical for young people who will inherit the consequences of inaction. By standing up for their rights to a safe and healthy environment, the young activists in Oregon are leading the charge for climate justice. Their determination to see their case through to trial demonstrates the power of youth activism in the fight against climate change. The Supreme Court’s decision will be closely watched by activists, policymakers, and the public as a signal of the court’s stance on environmental issues.
