youth climate activism
Credit: Mark Dixon/Flickr
Protest highlights billionaire influence on Vance and urges Harris to act on climate
Activists from the Sunrise Movement protested at Sen. J.D. Vance’s office and urged Kamala Harris to champion climate action, targeting Vance’s ties to Big Oil.
In short:
- Youth-led Sunrise Movement protested at Sen. J.D. Vance’s office, highlighting his ties to the oil industry and calling for climate action.
- The group marched to the DNC to demand Kamala Harris adopt stronger climate policies, including clean energy investments and ending fossil fuel subsidies.
- The activists aim to galvanize young voters by pushing Harris to distinguish herself from Biden’s policies and take a firm stand on climate issues.
Key quote:
“This is your chance to energize young people and our communities to vote, mount one of the greatest political comebacks in decades, and deliver a resounding defeat to the far-right agenda of Trump and Vance."
— Letter to Harris, co-signed by Gen Z for Change, March for Our Lives and United We Dream Action
Why this matters:
Frustration with billionaire influence in politics is galvanizing youth activists and pushing Vice President Kamala Harris to seize the moment and champion bold climate action. Read more: Youth v. Montana — Young adults speak up.
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The court orders dismissal of a youth-led climate lawsuit against the US government
A federal appeals court has instructed the district court to dismiss a climate change lawsuit filed by youth plaintiffs against the U.S. government, denying them the chance to amend their case.
In short:
- The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the lower court to dismiss the youth-led climate lawsuit Juliana v. United States.
- Despite a 2020 ruling dismissing the case, the district court had allowed an amended lawsuit, which the appellate court ruled was against its mandate.
- The ruling signifies the difficulty of bringing climate action lawsuits against the federal government, even as state-level cases like one in Montana have shown success.
Key quote:
“We held that the Juliana plaintiffs lack standing to bring their claims and told the district court to dismiss.”
— Judges Mark Bennett, Ryan Nelson, and Eric Miller, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Why this matters:
The court's decision reinforces the challenges of pursuing legal action against the federal government on climate issues, blunting efforts to push for policy changes to address the climate crisis. Read more: Youth v. Montana — Young adults speak up.
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Credit: Mehaniq/BigStockPhotoID: 467940073
Montana's climate case draws industry support for the state's stance
Montana's high court is reviewing an appeal in the youth climate lawsuit, Held v. Montana, with significant backing from Republican leaders and business groups.
In short:
- Republican leaders and various organizations argue against the district court's decision, emphasizing the lack of direct injury to the youth plaintiffs and questioning the judicial interpretation of environmental policy.
- The dispute centers on whether state law should require analysis of greenhouse gas emissions for environmental reviews, a requirement challenged by recent legislative amendments.
- The case highlights a broader debate on the balance between environmental protection and legislative authority, with implications for business interests and energy policy.
Key quote:
"The Legislature is the only branch of government designed to take input from all stakeholders and make those policies on behalf of the citizens of Montana."
— Senate president Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton
Why this matters:
This legal battle is a microcosm of the national debate on how to balance climate action with energy needs and economic growth, stressing the importance of judicial and legislative roles in shaping environmental policy.
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Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash
Climate change is driving a global youth revolution
Climate change is shaping a mindset revolution – powerfully driving innovation and progress. And young people are leading the transformation.
Climate change: Children pioneer a legal right to a secure future
Climate change: Eco-anxious youth are making progress in suing to create a body of law protecting against the effects of a warming planet.
Emiko Newman, Erin Blondeau: Canada needs a Youth Climate Corps, and more
The millions preparing to march globally are demanding real action from leaders.
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State, plaintiffs deliver closing remarks in landmark Montana youth climate change trial
An attorney for the 16 Montana youth who sued the state alleging their constitutional rights to a clean and healthful environment have been violated by the state said in their closing trial arguments Tuesday the state had not shown any compelling state interest as to why it should be allowed to continue ignoring greenhouse gas emissions from energy projects moving forward.
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