In a groundbreaking decision, South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled that the country’s climate policies fall short of their constitutional responsibility to protect future generations. This decision marks the first climate litigation ruling of its kind in Asia and could inspire a wave of climate litigation across the region.
The climate movement is turning to courts to hold corporations and governments accountable for their role in causing the climate crisis. The number of cases filed each year has nearly tripled since the Paris Agreement in 2015. With courts becoming vital battlegrounds, civil society organizations (CSOs) play a key role, pushing legal cases forward and ensuring public engagement in the critical climate debate.
Litigation can make or break fossil fuel expansion. As governments fail to meet climate and human rights obligations and spend billions in taxpayer money supporting fossil fuel production, courtrooms are busier than ever settling climate disputes and issuing crucial advisory opinions clarifying States’ obligations.
