The Status of Climate Change Litigation: A Global Review

Abstract

Over the last decade, laws codifying national and international responses to climate change have grown in number, specificity, and importance. As these laws have recognized new rights and created new duties, litigation seeking to challenge either their facial validity or their particular application has followed. So too has litigation aimed at pressing legislators and policymakers to be more ambitious and thorough in their approaches to climate change. In addition, litigation seeking to fill the gaps left by legislative and regulatory inaction has also continued. As a result, courts are adjudicating a growing number of disputes over actions — or inaction — related to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Keywords: Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, climate change litigation, international climate change law, climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, UNEP report