A group of older Swiss women has achieved a significant victory in the European Court of Human Rights by winning the first-ever climate case. These women, mostly in their 70s, argued that their age and gender made them more vulnerable to the effects of heatwaves caused by climate change.
The court ruled that Switzerland’s efforts to reduce emissions were insufficient, marking the first time the court has addressed climate change. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joined in the celebration of this victory.
The ruling holds Switzerland accountable for not meeting its obligations regarding climate change under international law and violating the rights to privacy and family life. It pointed out gaps in Switzerland’s policies to address climate change, including failure to quantify reductions in greenhouse gases.
The group of Swiss women, known as Senior Women for Climate Protection, initiated the case nine years ago. They argued that heatwaves in Switzerland made it difficult for them to leave their homes and posed health risks.
The court’s decision is binding and could influence laws in 46 European countries, including the UK. However, two other cases brought by young people from Portugal and a former mayor from France were dismissed. The Portuguese youth argued that extreme heatwaves and wildfires prevented them from going outside or attending school, but the court said the case needed to be addressed in Portugal first.
Despite these dismissals, the victory of the Swiss women is seen as a win for climate activists globally. The decision of the European Court of Human Rights holds significance as it can influence laws in its member states.