Climate Litigation

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

 Context: Environmental activists have sued Norway, challenging its proposal for seabed mineral exploration, claiming inadequate impact assessment. Norway’s parliament approved the plan in January, citing minimal impact from the study.

Deep-Sea Mining Explained

1. Involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor.
2. Types: Polymetallic nodules, seafloor sulphide deposits, cobalt crusts.
3. Materials: Nickel, cobalt, rare earth elements, essential for renewable energy and technology.
4. Environmental concerns: Ecosystem damage, pollution, sediment plumes affecting marine life.

Climate Litigation Overview

1. Definition: Legal action to hold countries and companies accountable for climate efforts and contributions.
2. Rising trend: 2,180 cases in 65 jurisdictions by December 2022 (up from 884 in 2017).
3. Key Cases:
   1. 2,000 Swiss women sued their government over climate inaction.
   2. Young plaintiffs in Montana won against the state for neglecting climate change.
   3. A 9-year-old girl in India filed a case for greater climate action, later rejected.