The Supreme Court's recent denial of a petition in the case of Juliana v. United States represents a significant setback for a youth-led climate lawsuit. Initiated by the nonprofit law firm Our Children's Trust, the case was filed in 2015 and has faced numerous challenges in lower courts.
The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the dismissal of the case in 2020, a decision reinforced by a three-judge panel in May 2023. The plaintiffs argued that the federal government has knowingly pursued policies exacerbating climate change, despite the well-documented dangers of fossil fuel reliance.
Julia Olson, the attorney representing the youth plaintiffs, stated that the core issue of children's standing in climate-related cases remains unresolved. The plaintiffs may seek a review by the Supreme Court, with a certiorari petition deadline set for December 9, 2023.
This lawsuit is part of a broader movement in climate litigation, where youth activists aim to hold governments accountable for policies perceived to worsen climate change. While many youth-led climate cases have faced obstacles, some have achieved notable progress, such as a recent ruling in Montana that recognized the rights of young residents concerning climate considerations.