PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a petition from young climate activists asserting that the federal government’s actions related to climate change violate their constitutional rights, marking the conclusion of a decade-long legal struggle that saw many plaintiffs grow from children to young adults.
This pivotal case, initiated in 2015 by 21 plaintiffs, including an 8-year-old, argued that the federal government’s promotion of a fossil fuel-dependent economy infringed upon their right to a sustainable climate.
Known as Juliana v. United States after one of the prominent activists, Kelsey Juliana, this case faced challenges from multiple administrations, with legal representatives contending that the plaintiffs were attempting to dictate federal environmental policies through judicial means instead of through legislative processes.
Julia Olson, legal counsel representing the plaintiffs, emphasized that the significance of this case extends beyond its conclusion. She stated, “Juliana ignited a global youth-led movement for climate rights that continues to rise, empowering young people to demand their constitutional right to a safe climate and future.” Olson reaffirmed the commitment to pursuing important victories in the ongoing battle for climate justice.
The plaintiffs sought a trial to establish whether the U.S. government was breaching their fundamental rights by maintaining a fossil-fuel-based energy system.
The case traversed the legal landscape for years, with a trial initially halted in 2018 by Chief Justice John Roberts. In 2020, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the case, arguing that climate policy decisions were the responsibility of elected officials, not the judiciary. However, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken in Eugene, Oregon, allowed the activists to amend their lawsuit, asserting it could proceed to trial.
Subsequently, in response to a request from the Biden administration, a three-judge panel mandated Aiken to dismiss the case, leading to an unsuccessful appeal by the plaintiffs to revive the lawsuit in the U.S. Supreme Court.
In light of new developments, the legal team is now preparing to initiate another federal action grounded in the same constitutional principles as the Juliana case.
The current plaintiffs, aged between 17 and 29, continue their climate advocacy, many still actively engaged in university studies. Approximately half hail from Oregon.
Olson mentioned the remarkable stories of these young advocates who are making a difference in their fields.
Kelsey Juliana, now 29, has become a primary school teacher in Oregon, while other plaintiffs such as Alex Loznak have pursued law careers focusing on environmental and immigration issues, and Nathan Baring is directing a reindeer herding association in Alaska.
Baring stated, “We’re part of a wave, so this is not the end of the road by any means.”
Miko Vergun, originally from the Marshall Islands, is dedicated to ensuring her home nation remains above sea level. She recently graduated with a degree in cultural anthropology.
Vergun expressed that although the Supreme Court’s ruling wasn’t what they had aimed for, the journey has brought numerous victories. “For nearly ten years, we’ve fought for the rights of current and future generations, demanding a world where we not only survive, but thrive,” she stated. “We’ve demonstrated that young voices cannot be overlooked, and I take immense pride in what Juliana v. United States has accomplished.”
Legal actions advocating for climate rights have been filed on behalf of young individuals in all 50 states, including active cases in Florida, Utah, and Alaska.
A noteworthy ruling in Montana upheld a landmark climate decision, affirming that the state was infringing on residents’ constitutional rights to a clean environment by permitting fossil fuel projects without due consideration for climate change. This case, initiated by 16 youth plaintiffs, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy environment.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is now obligated to align with this ruling, and advocacy groups will seek enforcement if necessary.
Additionally, a settlement in Hawaii requires the government to achieve zero emissions in transportation by 2045, covering various modes of transport and subject to oversight for the next two decades.
Globally, the Oregon case has inspired over 60 youth-led climate lawsuits, showcasing the growing movement for climate justice.
