Eighteen California youths are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for neglecting children's unique vulnerabilities to climate change impacts.
— Katie Myers reports for Grist.
In short:
- Eighteen California children sue the EPA, highlighting the distinct health risks climate change poses to young people.
- Their lawsuit argues the EPA disregards children's needs in environmental regulations, seeking legal recognition of their unique vulnerability.
- This case aligns with global movements recognizing children's rights to a healthy environment.
Key quote:
“We’re facing constitutional negligence. We’re challenging the EPA’s failure to protect us. The air we breathe has become a casualty of their opposition.”
— Avroh H., Plaintiff
Why this matters:
This lawsuit emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change's disproportionate impact on children's health. Youth climate litigation and the global push for recognizing children's rights to a healthy environment is gaining favor as an effective legal strategy towards climate policy reforms.
