Human rights violated by Switzerland's climate inaction, says European court
In a significant victory for climate change activists, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled in favor of a group of old Swiss women today. The women argued that their government's insufficient actions to combat climate change, exposed them to life-threatening risks during heatwaves. The ECtHR concurred, stating that the Swiss government's failure to meet earlier greenhouse gas reduction targets had violated some of their human rights.
Ruling sets precedent for future climate litigation cases
This groundbreaking judgment, driven by over 2,000 women, could have far-reaching implications across Europe and potentially worldwide. It sets a binding precedent for courts handling the increasing number of climate litigation cases. These lawsuits are regularly argued on the basis of human rights violations due to inadequate measures taken against climate change.
Court rejected similar climate change cases
Despite the landmark Swiss ruling, it's important to note that the Strasbourg-based court dismissed two other similar climate change cases. One case was brought forward by six Portuguese youths against 32 European governments, while the other was initiated by an ex-French mayor against the French government.
Swiss government may need to revise emission targets
The final and unappealable Swiss ruling could pressure the government to implement more rigorous measures to reduce emissions. This might necessitate a revision of its 2030 emissions reduction targets, aligning them with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
