In Montana, a judge's ruling has favored a group of young climate activists, accusing state agencies of violating their constitutional right to a clean environment, DW reports.
The plaintiffs, aged 5 to 22, argued that the state's approval of fossil fuel development without assessing its climate impact has harmed them mentally and physically.
This unprecedented trial is expected to bolster climate activists' legal efforts for environmental protection. During the June trial, evidence was presented showing rising CO2 emissions causing temperature hikes, droughts, and wildfires. Montana, a major coal, oil, and gas producer, argued its CO2 contribution was insignificant.
Judge Kathy Seeley found the state's fossil fuel permit evaluation policy unconstitutional as it doesn't consider greenhouse gas effects. The judge emphasized, "Montana's emissions and climate change have been proven to cause harm."
Despite the ruling, the Republican-led state legislature needs to amend the policy, curtailing immediate effects. Julia Olson of Our Children's Trust called this a "massive victory" that sets a precedent for future rulings.
Montana's attorney general's office plans to appeal, dismissing the ruling as "absurd." This legal victory is a crucial step in elevating environmental concerns through judicial channels.
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