Climate Change: Young Heroes Defend Earth in Court!

27 Sep 2023

Climate Change: Young Heroes Defend Earth in Court!

The Climate Change Challenge: Young Heroes Step Up!
Listen to the news
A Memory of Fire and Fear
Claudia Duarte Agostinho recalls a terrifying memory from 2017: a severe heatwave in Portugal followed by wildfires that claimed over 100 lives. She says, "The fires made me scared for my future."
Young Voices, Big Action
Claudia, her siblings Martim and 11-year-old Mariana, and three other Portuguese youngsters are making history. They have taken 32 countries, including many European nations, to court.

Their reason? These countries, they believe, aren't doing enough to fight climate change.
A Groundbreaking Case
This legal battle is the first of its kind in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. If the young heroes win, the governments will have to make significant changes.
Why Are They Taking This Action?
The youngsters argue that because of climate change, Portugal has been facing devastating forest fires year after year. They believe their rights, such as the right to live a good life and to be safe, are in danger because governments aren't doing enough about climate change.

They've felt the heat – literally. Hotter temperatures have kept them indoors, disturbed their sleep, and affected their health. Mariana, the youngest, voices her concern, "I want a green, clean world. I worry about how our home, Portugal, will look in the future."

Claudia mentions how Mariana gets scared hearing helicopters, reminders of the 2017 fires that destroyed vast forest areas. She wishes her younger sister could enjoy simple joys like dancing to TikTok videos, instead of stressing about the environment.
The Courtroom Battle
The lawyers will argue that if the governments don't change, the world might become 3°C hotter by 2100. Gearóid Ó Cuinn, from the Global Legal Action Network supporting the case, emphasizes the risk. He says, "Our youth will suffer from this heat. Governments can stop this, but they're not."

A 2021 study showed that many young people worldwide are anxious about climate change and unhappy with their governments' actions.

The governments, however, feel differently. They argue that there's no solid proof linking climate change directly to threats on human life or the Portugal fires. They believe the court shouldn't be deciding on climate policies.

Gearóid Ó Cuinn calls this a "David vs Goliath" case, where six youngsters are challenging powerful governments.
What Does This Case Mean?
Dunja Mijatovic, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, believes this case can reshape how countries handle climate change and human rights. She says, "We need to show we care and take action, not just talk."

If the youngsters win, governments will have to make bigger efforts to reduce pollution. This ruling could guide other courts around the world in similar cases. An official decision is awaited in the next 9 to 18 months.
Hope for the Future
Claudia often wonders about the kind of world she might bring children into. But if they win this case, she believes there's hope. She says, "A victory would mean the world is listening to our concerns and is ready to make a change."

In the end, it's about securing a brighter, cleaner future for everyone.
DIY Activity: "Climate Change Advocacy Capsule"
Objective: To create a capsule that encapsulates the students' views, fears, hopes, and actions related to climate change. This will serve as a personal touchpoint for students to revisit in the future and remember their commitments.

Materials Needed:

Shoebox or a small cardboard box
 	Markers, colored pencils, and crayons
 	Plain paper
 	Magazines, newspapers (for cut-outs)
 	Glue
 	Stickers or decorations related to nature or climate change (optional)
 	A small piece of cloth or paper bag to seal items
 	Ribbon or string

Steps:

Introduction: Begin by discussing the text. What were their feelings after reading about the young heroes? Do they share similar

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