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2023 Has Been A Big Year for Climate Accountability in the Courts

Summary

In 2023, climate litigation witnessed significant milestones globally. The United States saw a groundbreaking ruling in Held v. State of Montana, where the state's support for fossil fuel development was deemed unconstitutional. Meanwhile, in Europe, a Belgian court ordered the government to cut carbon emissions by 55%, marking the second instance of a court imposing binding emission targets on a country. Climate accountability lawsuits targeting oil and gas companies also advanced in the U.S., with the Hawaii Supreme Court upholding the trial court's decision against industry defendants. The European Court of Human Rights heard historic climate cases, including KlimaSeniorinnen v. Switzerland and Carême v. France. New climate cases emerged worldwide, such as Multnomah County, Oregon, suing oil companies for damages from a deadly heat dome. The article concludes with a preview of upcoming climate lawsuits in 2024, indicating a continued surge in legal actions addressing climate change.

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Environmental Justice
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Environmental Justice
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Energy Justice
Energy Justice

Multnomah County, Oregon, is suing fossil fuel companies, including Exxon, Shell, and Chevron, for their role in causing a deadly heat dome in June 2021

July 12, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

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Climate Change
Climate Change

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July 11, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has greenlit a significant methane gas pipeline project through predominantly Black and brown communities in Tennessee, raising environmental

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Climate Change
Climate Change

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Climate Change
Climate Change

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Climate Change
Climate Change

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Climate Change
Climate Change

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Climate Change
Climate Change

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Climate Change
Climate Change

Albuquerque's efforts to ensure a stable water supply have been undermined by a critical issue: the El Vado Dam, a key infrastructure piece for the city's water management