The Dutch Supreme Court recently ordered the Netherlands to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25% by the end of 2020
to comply with its human rights obligations. Withersworldwide
attorneys say the ruling shows human rights protections could prove
a powerful tool in compelling governments to protect against the
growing climate crisis.
Courtrooms across the globe have become a battleground for
climate activists, nongovernmental organizations, and ordinary
citizens to compel governments to combat climate change.
Climate claims raise complex questions of how authority and
responsibility to deal with the climate crisis are divided between
different branches of government in different jurisdictions.