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.

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