Supreme Court refuses to hear young activists' climate change petition

In the United States, March 2025 marked the end of a significant legal battle over climate rights when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a petition filed by young activists. This case, known as Juliana v. United States, began in 2015 with 21 plaintiffs ranging from ages 8 to 29, who argued that the federal government's role in climate change violated their constitutional rights. The case endured challenges posed by multiple administrations over the years, including those of Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, which asserted that the judicial system should not dictate federal environmental and energy policies. The landmark lawsuit aimed to compel the government to take comprehensive actions against climate change and has played a crucial role in fostering a global youth movement advocating for climate rights. Julia Olson, chief legal counsel for Our Children's Trust, which represented the plaintiffs, emphasized that the lawsuit’s influence extends beyond its final outcome, sparking continued advocacy efforts among young people committed to environmental justice. The case experienced numerous legal hurdles, including a placed halt on a trial just days before it was set to begin in 2018 due to an intervention by Chief Justice John Roberts. Despite the Supreme Court's decision, the plaintiffs remained hopeful, highlighting their perseverance in fighting for the rights of both current and future generations. Miko Vergun, one of the plaintiffs, expressed pride, stating that they demonstrated that the youth would not be ignored in the face of climate change. Their journey inspired other youth-led climate lawsuits across the globe, illustrating a robust and growing movement. Another notable case in Montana underscored the importance of youth climate action, where the state Supreme Court recognized residents' constitutional rights to a clean environment, further empowering youth across the country to pursue climate justice through the courts. While the Supreme Court decision was disheartening for the plaintiffs, it also served as a catalyst for change, galvanizing public interest and advocacy for climate justice among younger generations. The outcomes of various lawsuits, including settlements for a cleaner transportation system in Hawaii, demonstrate the shifting perspective on environmental accountability, paving the way for a potential overhaul in how governments address climate change policies in the future.