The case, known as Juliana v. United States, highlights the ongoing struggle over climate responsibilities and the role of the judiciary.
Landmark Climate Lawsuit Comes to an End as Supreme Court Declines Hearing
Landmark Climate Lawsuit Comes to an End as Supreme Court Declines Hearing
The Supreme Court's refusal ends a pivotal climate case initiated by young activists against the U.S. government.
The Supreme Court announced on March 24, 2025, that it would not entertain an appeal regarding the impactful climate case brought by 21 young climate activists against the federal government, thus concluding its decade-long passage through the courts. The case, Juliana v. United States, argued that government actions favoring fossil fuel use violate the constitutional rights of the plaintiffs. However, in 2020, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the suit, stating that matters of climate change should be directed to the political institutions rather than the judiciary.
Judge Andrew D. Hurwitz emphasized the necessity for the plaintiffs to present their case to lawmakers, asserting the limitations of judicial power in addressing deep-rooted political issues. In their final legal effort, the youths' legal advocates at Our Children’s Trust sought the Supreme Court's intervention to overturn the Ninth Circuit rule; however, their petition was rejected on Monday.
Some analysts voiced concerns about asking the conservative-leaning Supreme Court to review the case, fearing it might undermine existing environmental protections rather than support them. Nevertheless, the Juliana case has served as a foundational example, inspiring various other climate lawsuits that have gained traction and perhaps, shown more promise for achieving tangible outcomes in the face of climate change.
Judge Andrew D. Hurwitz emphasized the necessity for the plaintiffs to present their case to lawmakers, asserting the limitations of judicial power in addressing deep-rooted political issues. In their final legal effort, the youths' legal advocates at Our Children’s Trust sought the Supreme Court's intervention to overturn the Ninth Circuit rule; however, their petition was rejected on Monday.
Some analysts voiced concerns about asking the conservative-leaning Supreme Court to review the case, fearing it might undermine existing environmental protections rather than support them. Nevertheless, the Juliana case has served as a foundational example, inspiring various other climate lawsuits that have gained traction and perhaps, shown more promise for achieving tangible outcomes in the face of climate change.
