European Court of Human Rights Rules on Climate Change

SOURCE npr.org
The European Court of Human Rights ruled that nations must protect citizens from the effects of climate change but rejected a case to force emission reductions. The court found that individuals have the right to protection from climate change under the Human Rights Convention. This is a significant ruling setting a legal precedent for future climate change lawsuits.

Key Points

  • The European Court of Human Rights ruled that nations have an obligation to protect citizens from the ill effects of climate change
  • The court found that individuals have a right to effective protection from the serious adverse effects of climate change under the Human Rights Convention
  • The ruling sets a legal precedent for future climate change lawsuits in the Council of Europe's member states

Pros

  • Setting a legal precedent that countries must protect citizens from the effects of climate change
  • Affirming the right of individuals to protection from climate change under the Human Rights Convention

Cons

  • Rejecting a case to force countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions