WASHINGTON: The first-ever climate trial in the United States begins on Monday in Montana, brought by young people suing the western state for violating their constitutional right to deprive them of a clean and healthful environment.
The 16 plaintiffs who initiated the lawsuit ranging in age from five to 22, expressed they have been harmed and made vulnerable by the dangerous impacts of fossil fuels and the climate crisis with worsening and highly vulnerable impacts on children.
One of the members representing the youths, Grace Gibson-Snyder, 19, said in a statement that young lot like him understood what was at stake adding that they understand that they have a limited time to transition off of fossil fuels to ensure a secure and safe environment and future for themselves.
The case, being named after the leading plaintiff Rikki Held, is under supervision of the Judge Kathy Seeley in the state capital Helena, and will proceed until June 23.
According to Montana’s State Constitution, it reads as “The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations.”
In addition, Montana State being famous for its natural beauty and having a wide range of rocky mountains, snow-peaked parks, lakes, and scores of attractive spots is one of the favorite choices of tourists in the US and abroad.
Youth in Support of Climate
To preserve their beauty the youth applicants are of the view that they approached the court not for any financial compensation, but to ensure that their rights are protected.
Meanwhile, the state has repeatedly tried but failed to toss out the case over procedural issues.
On June 6, the apex court of the State ruled the trial by 6-1, “with preparation literally years in the making,” adding that it could go ahead.
It is worth noting that scores of US jurisdictions are suing fossil fuel companies over climate impacts as well as disinformation campaigns over climate issues.
“When it comes to the issue of climate, U.S. courts have never been more relevant,” said Alice Hill, a former Barack Obama climate advisor and active member of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group.
she added that all and sundry ranging from kids to local governments are suing about the harmful impact of climate change, and cases range from claims that companies related to fossil fuel lied about climate change to averments that states have violated constitutional rights.
