The Intelligence from The Economist Strong suits: climate litigation
Apr 27, 2022
Katrin Bragg, Environment editor for The Economist, discusses the rising trend of climate litigation as frustrated activists turn to courts for action against climate inaction. She highlights key legal battles and the growing role of activist lawyers in shaping environmental policies. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, reveals how Egypt's military exerts strong control over the private sector, alongside an examination of the broader economic impacts. They also touch on how global challenges, like the war in Ukraine, affect tourism and economic dynamics in places like Mount Everest.
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Climate Litigation on the Rise
- Climate activists increasingly use litigation to pressure governments and companies for climate action.
- Lawsuits address government inaction, corporate misinformation, damages, and fiduciary duty.
Urgenda Case
- The Urgenda Foundation successfully sued the Dutch government for inadequate emissions targets.
- This victory led to similar lawsuits in other countries like Germany, France, and Ireland.
ClientEarth vs. Enea
- ClientEarth, an NGO, bought shares in Enea, a Polish power company, to challenge its coal plant project.
- The court ruled in ClientEarth's favor, halting construction and writing off $250 million.