Opinion: European court's climate ruling holds lessons for action on plastic pollution
A recent landmark decision by the European Court of Human Rights held Switzerland accountable for inadequate climate policies, specifically highlighting the increased risk of heatwave-related deaths among older women. Plastic production is another case where governments have failed to protect vulnerable groups.
Sian Sutherland writes for Euronews.
In short:
- The climate case focused on collective rights to a healthy environment.
- The ruling opens avenues for future legal actions against governments for failing to protect public health against environmental hazards.
- Plastic production, involving hazardous chemicals, represents a similar negligence, affecting reproductive health and increasing disease risks.
Key quote:
"This...decision is about the right of groups of people to enjoy a 'healthy environment'."
— Sian Sutherland, co-founder of A Plastic Planet
Why this matters:
The climate case underscores the legal leverage that groups can use against governments that neglect environmental health policies. As negotiators meet in Ottawa this week to move toward agreement on a binding agreement to control plastic pollution, it's a timely message. Here's what to know about the fourth round of plastic treaty talks.
