Senior Swiss women score a landmark climate win in a court decision that could ripple across Europe
Senior Swiss women win landmark climate case in European court The Associated Press
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Europe’s Highest Human Rights Court Rules on Climate Change Case
STRASBOURG, France (AP) — The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that member nations have an obligation to protect their citizens from the adverse effects of climate change. However, the court dismissed a high-profile case brought by six Portuguese youngsters and other climate activists aimed at forcing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The court also rejected a French mayor’s plea for stronger government efforts to combat climate change. The decisions were made in a mixed session of judgments that included a ruling in favor of more than 2,000 Swiss members of Senior Women for Climate Protection.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Ruling Highlights
- The court found that national governments have a legal duty to protect individuals from the serious adverse effects of climate change on their lives, health, well-being, and quality of life.
- Judgments from the European Court of Human Rights set a legal precedent against which future lawsuits would be judged in the Council of Europe’s 46 member states.
- This is the first time an international court has ruled on climate change, marking a turning point in the global fight for a livable future.
Reactions to the Ruling
Sofia Oliveira, one of the Portuguese plaintiffs, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the importance of the Swiss women’s case, stating that their win is a win for everyone. Climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was present at the court, called the decisions a potential watershed moment in the global fight against climate change. Legal experts believe that this ruling will open the door to more legal challenges.
Implications for Climate Change Litigation
The ruling confirms that countries have an obligation to protect people from the effects of climate change. It could also undermine a previous ruling in the Netherlands, where the government was ordered to cut emissions by at least 25% by the end of 2020. The decisions have set a precedent for future climate change lawsuits and are expected to lead to more legal actions worldwide.
Climate Change and Human Rights
The court’s decision recognizes the link between climate change and human rights. It highlights the need for countries to take action to combat climate change to ensure the protection of fundamental rights. The urgency of the climate crisis was acknowledged by fast-tracking the cases and allowing the Portuguese case to bypass domestic legal proceedings.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. | Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. |
Note: The table includes duplicate entries for SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being to match the identified targets and indicators.
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Source: apnews.com
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