Climate Change: Six Young Activists Sue 32 Countries

story

SEP 2023

Image copyright: Unsplash

story last updated JAN 31

The Spin

Narrative A

The legal action brought by six Portuguese youths is one of the largest underdog stories of our time — a decision in their favor would defy the odds in a way many could never have imagined. Regardless of the outcome, these six ambitious young people have shown that anyone can affect change in the world, irrespective of their age. While getting nearly all European nations to change their laws is a long shot, these young activists are proving that anything is possible.

CNN

Narrative B

This case has no legal basis; the European Court of Human Rights doesn't have jurisdiction over any country in this case except Portugal, since the plaintiffs are Portuguese citizens. Moreover, they haven't provided any evidence of specific damages climate change has caused to their lives or physical and mental well-being. It's juvenile to take governments to court to force climate action when administrations are already committed to tackling the threat of climate change as best they can.

Reuters