Halt to youth climate lawsuit inspires nationwide resistance

The three-year-long case has survived countless obstacles and the 21 youth plaintiffs don't plan on backing down now.

By
Alexandra Jacobo
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868
SOURCENationofChange
Our Children's Trust

This week should have been the start to the three-year-long landmark youth climate trial against the federal government, deemed the “trial of the century.” Instead, the Supreme Court halted the case in response to a last-ditch effort by the Trump administration to kill the case.

Now the rest of the country is responding to the disgraceful decision. The 21 youth plaintiffs of the case, Juliana v. United States, have been joined by thousands across the country the past several days to “keep our government accountable for the effects of climate change.”

Nearly 100 events were scheduled on Sunday and Monday across 41 states. The main cities that were host to the largest included San Francisco, New York City, Portland, Washington, DC, Seattle, Colorado Springs and St. Paul.

The central rally took place at the Wayne Morse Federal Courthouse in Eugene, Oregon, where the trial was set to take place and attracted a crowd of 1,500, including 500 students that walked out of nearby schools.

The three-year-long case has survived countless obstacles. Just this past summer the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the case could proceed, then turned around last week with a change of heart, which many attribute to the recent appointment of new justice Brett Kavanaugh.

“Our constitutional democracy allows us to protect our liberty without declaring independence from our government, so long as those who govern assent to review by our courts and let the facts be told,” Julia Olson, executive director of Our Children’s Trust and co-counsel for the plaintiffs, said in a press release. “These young people deserve that chance to present their case against those who govern and let the light fall where it may.”

You can search for local and upcoming events here.

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Alexandra Jacobo
Alexandra Jacobo is a dedicated progressive writer, activist, and mother with a deep-rooted passion for social justice and political engagement. Her journey into political activism began in 2011 at Zuccotti Park, where she supported the Occupy movement by distributing blankets to occupiers, marking the start of her earnest commitment to progressive causes. Driven by a desire to educate and inspire, Alexandra focuses her writing on a range of progressive issues, aiming to foster positive change both domestically and internationally. Her work is characterized by a strong commitment to community empowerment and a belief in the power of informed public action. As a mother, Alexandra brings a unique and personal perspective to her activism, understanding the importance of shaping a better world for future generations. Her writing not only highlights the challenges we face but also champions the potential for collective action to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

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