Climate

Legal Defenders of the Planet: $3 Million in Fees Awarded in Pivotal Climate Lawsuit

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BOSTON — In a groundbreaking climate lawsuit, attorneys have been awarded $3 million in legal fees for their successful efforts in representing a group of young advocates challenging the federal government’s inaction on climate change. This significant payout highlights both the urgency of climate-related legal battles and the increasing recognition of legal costs associated with these cases. The case, dubbed Juliana v. United States, was filed by 21 youths who argue that the government’s support of fossil fuels violates their constitutional rights to a stable climate system. The lawsuit has sparked extensive legal debates and … Read more

California Climate Laws Stand Firm as Judge Rejects U.S. Chamber’s Latest Legal Challenge

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A federal judge in Los Angeles has once again rejected the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s bid to halt the implementation of two new climate disclosure laws in California set to take effect next year. The ruling, issued last Thursday, emphasized that the plaintiffs did not provide new evidence compelling enough to revisit previous decisions. U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II stated that the Chamber, represented by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, failed to present any substantive arguments that would justify the reconsideration of his earlier injunction. This rejection comes amidst growing discussions about the … Read more

Pacific Island Students Lead the Charge in Transforming Global Climate Legislation

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SUVA, Fiji — A group of students from the Pacific Islands has sparked a significant shift in global climate law by taking their fight for climate justice to international forums. Their determination highlights the urgent need for accountability and action in the face of rising sea levels and other climate-related challenges that threaten their homeland. In a groundbreaking move, these young activists initiated legal proceedings against several world powers, alleging their failure to adhere to climate commitments. The students’ efforts are rooted in the recognition that the Pacific Islands are among the most vulnerable to … Read more

California Court Upholds Climate Disclosure Laws Amid Legal Challenges from Business Groups

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Sacramento, California — In a significant development for climate policy, two pivotal laws, SB 253 and SB 261, were enacted in October 2023 as part of California’s Climate Accountability Package. These laws impose requirements on companies operating in the state with annual revenues of at least $500,000 under SB 253 and $1 million under SB 261, mandating them to publicly disclose climate-related information. Specifically, SB 253 necessitates the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes, while SB 261 requires a biennial assessment of climate-related fiscal impacts to be submitted to the California Air Resources … Read more