In the grand tapestry of legal battles, some cases stand out as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. Such is the tale of 2000 Swiss women who dared to confront their government on the daunting issue of climate change. Their journey, marked by resilience and determination, not only secured a victory for their cause but also set a groundbreaking precedent that reverberates far beyond the Alpine borders.

It all began in 2016 when a group of seasoned activists, calling themselves the Swiss Elders for Climate Protection, took a bold step forward. With the weight of years behind them and the foresight of generations ahead, they filed a lawsuit against their government. Their argument was as simple as it was profound: climate inaction exacerbates the likelihood of heatwaves, placing the elderly—a group particularly vulnerable to its consequences—at grave risk of ill health and premature mortality.

Their plight struck a chord not only among their peers but also within the hallowed halls of justice. Before the case could ascend to the European Court of Human Rights, Swiss judges rendered a historic verdict: 16 in favour, 1 opposed. The ruling, an unequivocal declaration of governmental accountability, sent shockwaves through legal circles.

At its core, the ruling illuminated a fundamental principle of law—that every case, no matter how seemingly singular, has the power to shape the landscape of justice. The ramifications of this landmark ruling extend far beyond the idyllic Swiss countryside. It is a clarion call to nations worldwide, urging them to heed the urgency of climate action. Indeed, the ruling serves as a potent weapon in the arsenal of environmental advocates, emboldening similar cases across the globe.

In December 2022, the tally spoke volumes—2,180 climate-related cases filed worldwide. Each one is a testament to the growing chorus of voices demanding accountability, transparency, and justice in the face of an existential threat.

“Climate change is the environmental challenge of this generation, and it is imperative that we act before it’s too late.”

 John Delaney