Some will think that this trial is a publicity act and that it will have no further consequences. I agree that it is an advertising act, but something must be done to raise awareness among citizens of the enormous problem we face, and that will fully affect future generations.
I don't know about the consequences, and it depends on how much the message these young people are trying to convey reaches society. And I hope it has success catching on.
On September 27, 2023, six young Portuguese men (aged between 11 and 24) took 32 European countries to trial before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The lawsuit, which is the first of its kind in the world, alleges that the defendant governments are failing to meet their human rights obligations by not doing enough to protect young people from climate change.
In their lawsuit, the young Portuguese argue that climate change is violating their rights to life, health, a healthy environment and education. They point out that the effects of climate change are already being felt around the world, in the form of heat waves, droughts, floods and extreme weather events. These phenomena are having a devastating impact on the lives of young people, who are deprived of their future and their opportunities.
The plaintiffs ask the ECHR to force the accused governments to take more ambitious measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also ask that they be compensated for the damage they have already suffered.
The outcome of the trial could have a significant impact on the fight against climate change. If the ECHR rules in favor of the young Portuguese, it could force the accused governments to take more ambitious measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Which would be a real shame for the politicians who have been in power in recent years.
And in addition, this trial could also set a precedent for other similar cases that are being processed around the world. In recent years, climate lawsuits have been filed in several countries, including the United States, Australia and Brazil.
The participation of young people in this issue is essential, since they are going to be the most affected by the consequences of Climate Change, but I think that we should all raise awareness about the issue, since most of us have children and grandchildren, and we must leave them an environment of life equal to or better than what we receive.
I expect almost nothing from this type of trial, but if it helps that more people get involved in solving the biggest problem the world faces today, it is welcome.
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