Activists in support of the fight against climate change. Courts around the world are considering more than 3 thousand climatic cases Climate and environment The number of climate-related litigations is growing rapidly and covering more and more countries. This trend is noted by the authors of a new report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Climate Change Law Center at Columbia University.
The report, entitled “Climate Change in the Courtroom: Trends, Implications and New Lessons,” is the fourth in a series begun in 2017. Among the most significant decisions noted in the document is the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, confirming the obligations of states in the fight against climate change.
In total, as of June 30, 2025, according to the report, there were 3,099 climate-related cases worldwide, across 55 countries and 24 international or regional judicial and quasi-judicial bodies. This is significantly more than in 2022 (2,180 cases) and 2017 (884 cases). Although countries in the Global South account for less than 10 percent of all cases, their participation is gradually increasing.
“Climate litigation has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting climate action and responsibility,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. – Transformation of energy, transport, housing and food systems must be a joint effort, based on ambitious and evidence-based policies. An independent judiciary plays a key role in ensuring that this transition is fair and effective.”
from the moment of the first registered case related to climate change, almost forty years ago, this area has expanded significantly and strongly. The trials cover an ever wider range of issues – & NBSP; from Greenhouse (false & nbsp; statements & nbsp; on environmental friendliness) and disputes about compensation for carbon emissions to regulation of energy -intensive processing centers Data. 60 > today the judicial authorities consider almost all aspects of the climatic management – & nbsp; from reducing emissions and adaptation to a change in the climate to the protection of human rights and financial responsibility of corporations. All & nbsp; more often the vessels of the loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution falls. ~ 60 > judicial organs & nbsp; all & nbsp; more often they are based on research, connecting specific extremal Weather phenomena with greenhouse gases emissions. Such decisions help to form international legal norms and standards of responsibility. ~ 60 > along with this there is an increase in the number of “anti -limal” cases aimed at weakening environmental norms or restriction of investment, taking into account environmental and social criteria. Of particular concern is the growth of claims against environmental activists, journalists and civil society organizations opposing projects with a high level of emissions.