The highly anticipated Juliana v. United States climate change lawsuit is moving forward, putting the U.S. government's climate policies under intense scrutiny. The case, brought by twenty-one young individuals, argues that the government knowingly endangered their future by failing to address climate change effectively. Plaintiffs contend that federal actions promoting fossil fuels, despite awareness of their harmful effects, infringe upon their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property.
The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring the government to implement a national climate recovery plan. The young plaintiffs aim to force a transition away from fossil fuels and towards a sustainable energy future. Legal experts say the case is groundbreaking because it frames climate change as a constitutional issue, potentially setting a precedent for future climate litigation.
'60 Minutes' previously highlighted the case in 2019, bringing national attention to the young plaintiffs' fight. The upcoming trial will delve into scientific evidence, government documents, and expert testimony to determine whether the government has a legal and moral obligation to protect future generations from the impacts of climate change. The outcome could have significant implications for climate policy and the government's role in addressing the global crisis.
Juliana v. United States Climate Change Lawsuit Heads to Trial
A landmark climate change lawsuit, Juliana v. United States, is set to proceed, alleging the government failed to protect young people from the dangers of a warming planet. Twenty-one young plaintiffs claim the government knew about the risks of climate change but did not take adequate action. The case, which gained attention in a 2019 '60 Minutes' segment, argues that this inaction violates the plaintiffs' constitutional rights. The trial will examine the government's responsibility in addressing climate change and its impact on future generations.
Source: Read the original article at CBS