Upset at climate inaction, young people gird for European court battle

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🗞️ Driving the news: Six young individuals from Portugal, motivated by the perceived government inaction over climate change and the devastating wildfires in 2017, are taking 32 European nations to court
• Their case is set to be heard by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) soon

🔭 The context:The plaintiffs advocate for a binding ruling to compel these governments to take more aggressive actions against climate change, asserting that current inaction is infringing upon their human rights
•  This lawsuit, initiated in September 2020, targets 27 EU member countries and other European nations

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: If the lawsuit succeeds, it could set a significant precedent for governments to expedite their CO2 emissions reduction commitments, thereby contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts

⏭️ What's next: The ECHR has scheduled the hearing for this landmark case on September 27 
• Backed by the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), the young applicants argue that climate change jeopardizes various rights, including their right to life, mental well-being, and privacy

💬 One quote: "We just want them (governments) to stick to the treaties and do what they promised they would do," said Andre Oliveira, emphasizing the importance of the 2015 Paris Agreement

📈 One stat: A global survey revealed that over half of young people feel "sad, afraid, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty" due to climate change and perceived inaction to combat it

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