Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

Climate Litigation's Big 2024 - could 2025 be even bigger?

Jan 6, 2025

In this insightful discussion, Dana Drugmand, the founder of Climate in the Courts, delves into transformative legal trends shaping climate accountability. They explore Vermont's Climate Superfund law and New York's groundbreaking initiative holding polluters financially liable. Dana highlights the remarkable youth-led cases advocating for environmental rights in Montana and Hawaii. Additionally, the conversation touches on crucial global rulings that could reshape climate obligations, and the potential of innovative climate tech sparked by these legal victories.

31:31

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Episode guests

Dana Drugmand

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The enactment of New York's climate law compelling polluters to fund climate adaptation marks a significant advancement in climate accountability legislation.

Montana's constitutional recognition of a stable climate as a right highlights a growing judicial trend in favor of environmental protections for future generations.

Deep dives

Price Adjustments by Wireless Companies

Big wireless companies have the ability to raise prices in response to inflation, which raises questions about the implications of such increases on existing contracts. These companies often operate under long-term contracts with consumers, and it’s critical to examine whether price hikes due to inflation violate these agreements. This situation reflects a broader trend where profitability takes precedence over contractual obligations in the telecommunications sector. The discussion highlights the tension between consumer rights and corporate strategies to maximize revenue amidst rising costs.

Intro

5min

Climate Accountability in New York

12min

Evolving Climate Litigation: Protecting Future Generations and Natural Rights

3min

Youth Empowerment in Climate Law

8min

The Rise of Climate Litigation

8min

In this episode, host Richard Delevan dives into the transformative legal battles shaping the future of climate accountability. From Vermont’s trailblazing Climate Superfund law to New York’s bold move to hold oil and gas companies financially liable for adaptation costs, we explore the "pincer movement" of legislation and litigation forcing polluters to pay.

Joining the conversation is Dana Drugmand, founder of Climate in the Courts, who shares insights into the biggest legal wins of 2024 and what they mean for 2025. From Montana’s historic recognition of a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment to groundbreaking rulings in Europe and the International Court of Justice, this episode unpacks how courts and laws are changing the climate accountability landscape.

Key Topics Covered:

The growing momentum behind “polluter pays” laws in Vermont and New York
Youth-led climate cases in Montana, Hawaii, and South Korea
The role of human rights in climate litigation globally
The International Court of Justice’s potential impact on global climate obligations
How legal wins can drive innovation in climate technology

Links and Resources:

Learn more about Vermont’s Climate Superfund law: Read here
Details on New York’s Climate Superfund law: Read here
Explore Dana Drugmand’s Climate in the Courts: Visit here
ICJ Climate Hearings Overview: Learn more
Polluter Pays Climate Fund Act Insights: Data for Progress

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