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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Bloomberg Law or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The landmark youth climate lawsuit, Juliana v. US, may be nearing its end after a lengthy legal battle spanning three presidential administrations
• The case, dismissed by the Ninth Circuit for lack of standing, sought to establish that the federal government's promotion of fossil fuels violated the constitutional rights of young people
• Despite this near defeat, the case has inspired similar climate rights lawsuits worldwide
🔭 The context: Filed in 2015, Juliana v. US was a groundbreaking lawsuit by 21 young plaintiffs aiming to hold the US government accountable for its role in climate change
• Although the case faced significant legal hurdles, it brought attention to the potential of constitutional and rights-based climate litigation
• State-level successes in similar lawsuits highlight the varying legal landscapes across the US
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Juliana has had a lasting impact by inspiring climate litigation globally, contributing to a broader movement for environmental rights
• These cases emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change through legal channels, potentially leading to significant policy changes and greater environmental protection
⏭️ What's next: With the Ninth Circuit's dismissal, the Supreme Court remains a potential final avenue for the Juliana plaintiffs
• Meanwhile, similar cases continue to gain traction at state and international levels, potentially influencing future climate policies and legal standards
💬 One quote: "Juliana was groundbreaking when it was filed in many ways... inspiring many cases that have proliferated around the world in different jurisdictions and under different legal theories." — Nikki Reisch, Director of the Center for International Environmental Law’s climate and energy program
📈 One stat: The Juliana case involved 21 youth plaintiffs fighting for climate rights since 2015
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