- The European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday found that Switzerland violated the human rights of its citizens when its climate change policies failed to protect them from climate impacts. POLITICO
- The Court, which rejects on average 90% of the cases received, expedited its review of three climate-based cases — including the case against Switzerland because of its cascading impact on three other courts examining government climate policy. Guardian (LR: 2 CP: 5)
- This case was brought by a group of 2.4K elderly women who argued that the failed policies have made an already vulnerable population more vulnerable to climate change impacts including heatwaves. Guardian (LR: 2 CP: 5)
- The landmark ruling is legally binding, has no option for appeal, and sets the stage for other climate-based lawsuits across Europe. It could also force Switzerland to reduce its use of fossil fuels. CNN (LR: 2 CP: 5)
- The Court threw out a different case brought against France by the former mayor of Grande-Synthe, who alleged that the policies of the government increased the risk the coastal town faced from sea level rise. It was rejected as the former mayor is no longer a French resident. Euronews
- The Court also dismissed a case against Portugal and 31 other European governments brought by Portuguese youth. They alleged that weather-related disasters increased their climate anxiety and reduced their ability to participate in outdoor activities and attend school. BBC News (LR: 3 CP: 5)
Narrative A:
- Switzerland has been and will remain committed to its net zero target. This landmark ruling does not change the level of devotion granted to slashing emissions. While this ruling doesn't make much sense with respect to Switzerland, the government will take time to review its recommendations and determine how to shape future actions.
WWW.REUTERS.COM
Narrative B:
- While some cases were thrown out, the success of the Swiss women's case was a win for Switzerland, Europe, and beyond. Their case proves that governments have a responsibility to protect the physical and mental health of their people — and to not do so is a clear violation of human rights. This is a pivotal moment for the sustainability of humanity's future.
INDEPENDENT (LR: 2 CP: 3)
Narrative C:
- Climate and environmental disasters have been predicted by modern-day doomsayers for decades. None of the apocalyptic predictions have come true so far. It's irresponsible to codify public policy consequences when the climate debate is still unsettled.
COMPETITIVE ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE
Nerd narrative:
- There's an 82% chance that the EU will rank above the US and China on the Climate Change Performance Index every year until 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
METACULUS (LR: 3 CP: 3)