For the first time in history, a country has just been condemned for not doing enough to slow climate change. This is Switzerland. This decision could change a lot of things for the climate in Europe. I explain to you !
Elders for the climate
It is the Elders for the Climate, a group made up of 2,500 Swiss women aged 73 on average, who are at the origin of this trial. These women filed a complaint against their leaders. They accuse them of not doing enough to protect them from climate change. Since 2018, they have wanted their country to be obliged to:
- propose new measures for the environment;
- respect the rules that he himself had already put in place.
Which court judged Switzerland?
Elders for Climate have filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights. This court is made up of judges from several European countries. They ensure respect for the fundamental rights of inhabitants of 46 European countries.
Why was Switzerland condemned?
Because its environmental policy is insufficient. According to the Elders for the Climate, if all countries polluted like Switzerland, the planet would warm up by 3 degrees by 2100. This is double the 1.5 degrees which would reduce the impact of the changes. climate on humans.
Are we going to put Switzerland in prison?
Impossible, obviously! Switzerland will not have to pay a fine either. On the other hand, the government will have to redouble its efforts to protect the Swiss from climate change.
What could this change?
The fact that Switzerland was convicted could inspire judges to make a similar decision in other countries’ environmental trials. This is what we call “setting jurisprudence”. This news should therefore push governments to be more careful!
Did you know ? In 2022, a group of Quebecers under 35 also tried to condemn the Canadian government, without success.
Tom Imler, trainee journalist
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