On November 12, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition to revive a youth-led climate lawsuit, Juliana v. United States, brought by 21 young activists. The lawsuit argued that the federal government’s energy policies violated their constitutional rights by contributing to climate change. This decision marked a significant setback for the plaintiffs, who have been fighting for their case since 2015. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals had dismissed the case in 2020, and a subsequent ruling in May upheld this decision.
The Our Children’s Trust nonprofit, which filed the case, has been advocating for legal rights to a safe climate for future generations. Despite the court’s decision, Julia Olson, the plaintiffs’ attorney, emphasized that the core issue remains unresolved. “The standing of children to be heard in their right to life case is a pressing issue of national importance,” Olson said.
The plaintiffs may still request a review by the Supreme Court by December 9, 2024. Their case is part of a broader movement of climate litigation led by youth activists, some of which have seen progress in other states.
