Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice said what scientists had been saying for forty years: states are legally obliged to protect the climate system.
It got…somewhat less coverage than the imploded sub, but for me the titanic story of the last week was the truly remarkable trial held in Montana over the last ten days—one of the first times that the climate story has played out in an American courtroom.
Whatever the outcomes of the Juliana, Held, and other related lawsuits, I believe that the next generation of political leaders will guide the nation to a low-carbon economy in no small measure because these cases are serving as lessons in democracy and the power of youth.
It was another busy year in the courts for climate-related cases. From challenges to fossil fuel and petrochemical expansion to climate lawsuits against Big Oil and national governments, there were notable victories for climate action and accountability in 2022.
