Activists challenge climate policies in Brussels courts

As the EU shifts its focus away from intensive climate policymaking following the Green Deal, environmental NGOs are increasingly resorting to legal action to advocate for stronger climate commitments. Recently, these groups initiated lawsuits against the EU Commission, claiming it has failed to meet its climate obligations. They are specifically pushing for enhanced 2030 climate targets and contesting the classification of investments in aviation and shipping as sustainable. This legal strategy reflects a broader trend where activists are leveraging litigation to complement traditional advocacy methods. Catherine Higham, a policy fellow at the London School of Economics, highlights the complexity of the Green Deal legislation, noting that the boundaries of what constitutes sustainable practices are often unclear. Activists are focusing on 'systemic' cases that could yield significant impacts, such as the recent lawsuit concerning the EU's climate targets. Successful outcomes in these cases could lead to substantial changes in climate policy, surpassing what could be achieved through conventional lobbying efforts. Europe has become a prominent arena for climate litigation, with a significant number of cases filed compared to other regions. The EU's commitment to the Aarhus Convention facilitates access to information and justice for environmental matters, allowing NGOs to challenge EU acts that may violate environmental law. However, activists face challenges, including previous court rulings that dismissed cases on the grounds that NGOs lacked direct individual concern. The ongoing legal actions underscore the fundamental values of climate activists, as they seek to hold the EU accountable for its climate commitments. The outcomes of these cases could have far-reaching implications for climate governance in Europe, shaping future policies and the overall approach to climate change mitigation.