The climate trials of the 21st century have begun

By Kurt Cobb, Resource Insights

The question in these trials is straightforward: Do governments and corporations have an obligation to protect the habitability of the Earth's climate for human populations?

Are Countries Legally Required to Protect Their Citizens from Climate Change?

By Sophia V. Schweitzer, Ensia

On June 24, 2015, a court in The Hague ordered the Dutch government to act faster in its duty to protect its citizens against the effects of climate change.

Can the Law Protect us from Climate Change?

By Erik Jan van Oosten, Feasta

Can the law protect us from climate change? Do we have a legal right to a stable climate? Are governments responsible for preventing dangerous climate change within their borders?

Sue for the Climate: Will a Dutch Court Kickstart a Wave of Action?

By Nick Meynen, Common Dreams

In 2011, the Dutch attorney and author of Revolution Justified published on why and how to sue the Dutch government for failing to combat climate change; a year later, the nonprofit Urgenda and 886 citizens said sure, let’s do that. The rest is for the history books—and June 24, 2015 will appear there in bold type.