International Court Rules Against, Switzerland for Climate-Related , Human Rights Violations.
On April 9, an international court in France ruled that Switzerland's inability to address the climate crisis was a violation of human rights.
CNN reports that the ruling represents a landmark climate decree that could have a global impact.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in favor of over 2,000 Swiss women who argue that the government has failed to take action to stop climate change.
The ECHR determined that there were "critical gaps" in Switzerland's efforts to reduce emissions, citing the government's failure to meet past climate goals.
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The court ruled that the country's failures amount to a breach of the women's protection from , “the serious adverse effects of climate change on lives, health, well-being and quality of life.".
CNN reports that the ruling marks the first time the ECHR has made an official ruling on climate litigation.
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Today’s rulings against Switzerland sets a historic precedent that applies to all European countries.
, Gerry Liston, Lawyer at Global Legal Action Network, via CNN.
It means that all European countries must urgently revise their targets so that they are science-based and aligned to 1.5 degrees.
This is a massive win for all generations, Gerry Liston, Lawyer at Global Legal Action Network, via CNN.
The ruling forces Switzerland to more rapidly reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels, which have been identified as a main driver of climate change.
CNN reports that the ruling comes as the world remains off course for reaching climate goals aimed at cutting emissions and avoiding catastrophic warming.
