Credit: Fabrice Florin/Flickr
15 December 2023
California kids sue EPA over climate change risks
Eighteen California youths are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for neglecting children's unique vulnerabilities to climate change impacts.
— Katie Myers reports for Grist.
In short:
- Eighteen California children sue the EPA, highlighting the distinct health risks climate change poses to young people.
- Their lawsuit argues the EPA disregards children's needs in environmental regulations, seeking legal recognition of their unique vulnerability.
- This case aligns with global movements recognizing children's rights to a healthy environment.
Key quote:
“We’re facing constitutional negligence. We’re challenging the EPA’s failure to protect us. The air we breathe has become a casualty of their opposition.”
— Avroh H., Plaintiff
Why this matters:
This lawsuit emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change's disproportionate impact on children's health. Youth climate litigation and the global push for recognizing children's rights to a healthy environment is gaining favor as an effective legal strategy towards climate policy reforms.
