Global Climate Litigation Report 2023: Key Findings Released
- The number of climate change court cases has more than doubled from 884 in 2017 to 2,180 in 2022, indicating a significant rise in climate litigation worldwide.
- Litigation is increasingly being used as a tool for climate justice, with cases being brought against governments and corporations for failing to address climate change effectively.
- The report highlights the growing involvement of vulnerable groups, including children and Indigenous Peoples, in climate litigation, emphasizing the need for accountability and ambitious climate action.
On July 27, 2023, the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and the UN Environment Programme released a report detailing the dramatic increase in climate litigation over the past five years. The total number of climate-related court cases has risen from 884 in 2017 to 2,180 by the end of 2022, reflecting a growing global movement to seek justice through legal channels. This surge is attributed to the inadequacy of current climate policies in meeting necessary greenhouse gas reduction targets, prompting individuals and groups to turn to the courts for accountability. The report outlines various categories of ongoing climate litigation, including cases based on human rights, challenges to non-enforcement of climate laws, and actions against fossil fuel companies. Notably, 34 cases have been initiated by or on behalf of children and youth, highlighting the intergenerational impact of climate change. The involvement of vulnerable groups, such as Indigenous Peoples and women, is increasingly recognized in legal actions, emphasizing the need for equitable climate solutions. Key legal precedents established in recent years include significant rulings from courts in Australia, Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, which have held governments and corporations accountable for their climate policies and actions. These cases demonstrate the potential of litigation to compel more ambitious climate action and promote justice for those disproportionately affected by climate change. Looking ahead, the report anticipates a rise in cases related to climate migration and corporate liability, as well as potential challenges to regulations aimed at promoting climate action. The growing body of legal precedent in climate litigation is expected to shape future legal strategies and outcomes, reinforcing the importance of judicial mechanisms in the fight against climate change.