Climate News Update: The New Carbon Majors + Swiss Elders Win Landmark Climate Case
Apr 16, 2024
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Delve into the latest findings of the Carbon Majors Report and the rise in emissions by major fossil fuel producers post the Paris Climate Accord. Explore methane emissions tracking and legal collaboration on climate cases. Discuss complexities in corporate attitudes towards climate change and the impact of gas pumps on emissions. Highlight landmark rulings on climate action and the implications for global climate justice.
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Quick takeaways
State-owned entities play a significant role in global emissions and need to be held accountable in climate policy discussions.
Legal rulings like the Swiss Granny's case set a precedent for climate litigation worldwide, emphasizing governments' obligations to adopt science-based climate targets.
Deep dives
Climate Accountability: Carbon Majors and Influence Math Report
The world's top emitters have increased emissions post the Paris Climate Accord, with 57 fossil fuel and cement producers linked to 80% of global CO2 emissions since the agreement. The updated Carbon Majors Report incorporated into Influence Math tracks lobbying efforts. State-owned entities have ramped up coal production while investor-owned companies are slightly declining. The importance of including state-owned entities in climate policy discussions and holding them accountable for emissions is emphasized.
European Court of Human Rights Ruling: The Swiss Granny's Case
A historic ruling by the European Court of Human Rights favored Swiss senior women suing their government over weak climate commitments, deeming it a violation of their right to a healthy environment. This ruling establishes a precedent for climate litigation as human rights violations. The court's decision underscores the legal obligation for governments to adopt science-based climate targets to prevent harmful climate change impacts.
Global Impact of Environmental Litigation
The Swiss Granny's case sets a precedent for over 40 pending climate cases worldwide against governments with weak climate policies. The ruling from the European Court of Human Rights is expected to boost climate litigation globally by emphasizing governments' legal duties to protect human rights in the context of the climate crisis. The decision may catalyze stronger climate action from various governments and influence energy policy decisions.
Enforcement and Implications for Climate Actions
Enforcement mechanisms following the European Court's ruling entail government compliance and public scrutiny to ensure robust climate action, especially towards meeting science-based targets before 2030. The decision influences future climate-related litigations, potentially paving the way for more communities to hold governments accountable for inadequate climate policies. It signals a shift towards prioritizing climate action and highlights the role of courts in addressing human rights violations due to climate inaction.
Lots of news lately on stories we've been following, so in today's episode: an update! The landmark Carbon Majors report has been updated with some surprising new data, and the European Court of Human Rights has sent down an historic ruling that will shape how EU legislators look at energy and climate.