In a report made in 2023 by U.N. Environment Programs and Columbia University, there has been an increase in the number of climate-related court cases across the globe over the past five years. Most of these cases are filed by serious climate activists.

This is why the London School Of Economics and Political Science members have managed to file a lawsuit against companies that are causing this climate mayhem.

According to Joana Setzer, a climate litigation officer at LSE, this is a more effective way to alert companies than political protestations.

As shown in the LSE report 2023, this has been a successful legal strategy, with over half the cases resulting in improved climate action. Companies have notably come under increased scrutiny of “climate-washing.” Their misleading carbon emission plans have invited legal battles with climate activists. (Source)

Taking the lawsuit as an inspiration, a group of California air passengers also recently filed a class lawsuit against Delta Air Lines. According to their allegation, the company violated California consumer protection laws by misinforming itself as carbon-neutral. Thus directly contributing to the poor health of the environment.

The primary center of such climate legal battles is in America. This is where 20 cases by cities or states against major fossil fuel firms are heading for a trial. Interestingly, some US cases deal with right-wing state protests. As a federal rule, every company must disclose its environmental impact.

Litigation against developing economies having the worst effects on the environment is also experiencing a worldwide legal environment. Thus, this matter is responsible for 17% of cases since 2017. At the same time, several cases are emerging in European courts.

In September, California again filed towards five top oil players: Exxon Mobil, Shell, ConocoPhillips, BP, and Chevron. His lawsuit aims to set up a body to tackle possible climate-induced destruction in the region. As climate litigation continues to evolve, it serves not only as a weapon for holding corporations accountable. However, it is also a wake-up call for the government to act.