Top Posts
Study shows climate change could make ‘droughts’ for...
Pakistan demands collective response in climate change fight
AfDB sets aside $40m to drive AGIA green...
Report: African cities move to address carbon-neutral development
Niger govt bans tree cutting, establishes agency to...
HEDA asks senate to hold IOCs accountable for...
FG issues flood alert for in 29 states,...
Lagos State Govt reassures residents over flash floods
NGO empowers women on climate resilience in Kaduna
Brazil launches COP30 accommodation platform after pressure from...
EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World
World

Montana residents bring climate change case to court

by admineconai June 12, 2023
written by admineconai June 12, 2023
577

A climate change trial, which has been described as groundbreaking, is expected to begin on Monday in a courtroom in Montana’s capital city, involving 16 young residents who allege state officials violated their constitutional rights to a healthy environment.

The lawsuit, which was filed in March 2020, Held v Montana, will mark the first-ever constitutional climate trial in US history.

“We’re asking the government and the courts to do their job and protect us, along with the rest of Montana’s citizens and our incredible home state; this case is one big opportunity for the state to become a leader in preserving a safe, beautiful and prosperous future for Montana,” Grace Gibson-Snyder, a 19-year-old plaintiff, said.

Advocates hope the trial could set precedent for similar cases to move forward and that it could inspire legal action in other states. The state’s constitution has since 1972 guaranteed that the “state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations”. By propping up fossil fuels, the plaintiffs argue, the state has failed to uphold this responsibility.

Read also: Study warns The Arctic may be sea ice-free in summer by the 2030s

“I’m thrilled about this unique opportunity to lay out the whole story of how the government promotes fossil fuel development, how those policies exacerbate climate change, and how that in turn harms me and the other youth plaintiffs,” said Gibson-Snyder.

Jim Nelson, who is a retired Montana supreme court justice, said that Montana has “never, never” fulfilled its duty to maintain a healthy environment. Just this session, he said, the state’s legislature enacted two dozen bills that will “adversely affect the environment”.

“The legislature basically thumbed its nose at these constitutional provisions,” Nelson said.

He said that a favorable judgment could “force the legislature and public officials in the state administration to actually do what the constitution requires”.

The two-week trial which is being held in Helena, Montana, is scheduled to run from 12 to 23 June. A judge is expected to issue a ruling sometime after its conclusion.

Story was adapted from the Guardian.

Climate changeCourtMontanaResidents
0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
admineconai

previous post
Study warns The Arctic may be sea ice-free in summer by the 2030s
next post
Met: Just Stop Oil protests have cost it more than £4.5m in six weeks

Related Posts

Study shows climate change could make ‘droughts’ for...

August 18, 2025

Pakistan demands collective response in climate change fight

August 18, 2025

Brazil launches COP30 accommodation platform after pressure from...

August 7, 2025

Pakistan’s deadly floods worsened by global warming: study

August 7, 2025

Putin decree allows Russia to increase greenhouse gas...

August 7, 2025

New study shows climate change cancelling major events

August 4, 2025

ICJ says countries to be held accountable for...

August 4, 2025

Report shows PR firm working for Shell wins...

July 30, 2025

Study shows climate change could make ‘droughts’ for...

July 30, 2025

UN agency says deadly floods show need for...

July 22, 2025

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Bloglovin
  • Vimeo

@2021 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Eco-Nai+

EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World