A group of young activists in South Korea has taken legal action against their government, claiming that it has failed to adequately address climate change and thereby violated their human rights.
Key points:
- South Korea’s Constitutional Court heard has accepted the significant case, which originated from petitions submitted by children and teenagers on April 23.
- This marks the first public hearing for a climate-related court case in Asia.
- The youth argue The activists argue that South Korea’s plan to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 is insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
- One of the 250 plaintiffs is a 17-month-old infant known as “Woodpecker.”
The case is titled Woodpecker et. al. v. South Korea
- and is one of four petitions under consideration in this landmark case. The plaintiffs assert that the government’s current inaction on climate issues will lead to irreversible climate impacts, thus violating their rights. They base their argument on the country’s constitutional guarantee of the right to a healthy environment. since 2020 “The more we think this task can be delayed now, the bigger the burden our future generations will have,” commented one of the activists. “I think it’s the same as passing on a debt to your children.”
- U.S. attorney Thae Khwarg, representing middle and high school students in a separate petition, expressed that the obligation for younger generations to address the emissions crisis created by older generations constitutes discrimination. The government’s lawyers assert that officials are making every effort and deny any discrimination against younger generations.lowered its 2030 industrial carbon targets in 2023, while maintaining overall emissions goals.
- The hearing is occurring shortly after the European Court of Human Rights held Switzerland accountable for insufficient climate action. Similar cases are ongoing in Australia, Brazil, and Peru.
- What’s next:
- The court’s decision in this case could establish a precedent for future climate litigation lawsuits in Asia.
- South Korea revised Young activists in South Korea have filed a case accusing their government of violating their human rights by not doing enough to address climate change.
Key points:
Tangent:
- The hearing comes just weeks after the European Court of Human Rights ruled against Switzerland for insufficient climate action. Similar cases are ongoing in Australia, Brazil and Peru.
What’s next:
- The court’s verdict may set a precedent for further climate litigation lawsuits in Asia.
