South Korea’s constitutional court orders stronger climate roadmap

South Korea’s constitutional court ruled that the government must revise its climate law to include detailed steps to meet its 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

Naveena Sadasivam reports for Grist.

In short:

A South Korean court ruled that the government’s current climate plans are insufficient and ordered the National Assembly to revise them by 2026.
The case, led by over 250 plaintiffs, including children and an unborn child, argued that a stronger roadmap is needed to protect citizens’ right to life.
This decision could set a legal precedent across Asia, where similar climate lawsuits are underway.

Key quote:

"The court made it very clear that the climate crisis is a scientific and legal fact, and they acknowledged that the state has a duty to protect people from climate change."

— Byung-Joo Lee, attorney for the plaintiffs.

Why this matters:

This ruling highlights the growing global trend of climate lawsuits, especially by younger generations, demanding immediate action to ensure a livable future. South Korea's decision may influence similar cases worldwide, pushing governments to create enforceable climate plans.

grist.org

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

South Korea’s constitutional court orders stronger climate roadmap

Earth's worsening climate crisis demands immediate action

Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues

Florida’s homelessness crackdown complicates hurricane recovery

Insurance costs squeeze commercial real estate as climate risks rise

Contamination from flooded industrial sites during major hurricanes is a growing concern

Midwest eyed as safer business spot amid rising climate risks

Western states could see significant carbon cuts with new energy transmission projects

Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

An EHN analysis finds nearly half were related to flaring.

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.