Portuguese Youth Sue 32 European Nations Over Climate Change

Six Portuguese youth, ranging from ages 11 to 24, are leading a landmark lawsuit against 32 countries, including all EU member states, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Turkey, arguing that government inaction on climate change discriminates against young people and poses a tangible risk to their lives and health. The case, which was sparked by forest fires in Portugal in 2017, will be heard at the European Court of Human Rights later this month. The group's legal team will argue that the worsening climate crisis is breaching their rights and will push for higher targets for cutting emissions. The case is seen as a historic opportunity for the court to clarify what human rights law requires states to do to protect present and future generations from climate-induced harm.