Landmark ECHR Ruling - Failing to tackle the climate crisis violates human rights.

This week in a groundbreaking result for climate action, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that weak government climate policies are a violation of fundamental human rights. This decision, marking the first such rulings by an international court, sets a precedent for governments worldwide to take a hard line with their climate policies.

This decision on one of three major climate cases, found Switzerland guilty of failing to fulfill its duty to tackle the climate crisis, thereby setting a significant legal precedent.

The court's decision reinforces campaigners messaging that the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue but a crisis of human rights. Sending a clear message to governments globally that they must take immediate action to address the climate emergency to protect people and planet.

It also opens the door for further climate-related legislation and policy challenges, potentially holding more governments accountable for their inaction.

The diverse group, bringing this to the ECHR , highlights the broad impact of climate change on people of all ages and backgrounds. Their advocacy and legal action demonstrates the urgency of addressing climate change as a matter of human rights.

While the court's decision is a significant step forward, it also underscores the pressing need for governments to align their climate policies saying:

“that keeping global heating to 1.5C was a key part of protecting human rights, rather than the higher 2C limit that courts had used for rulings on cases in Germany and the Netherlands".

A positive outcome for people and the planet. A strong message to global governments empathising the urgency for them to take action promptly; otherwise, valuable resources will be wasted in future legal cases.

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