In 2015, 21 young Americans filed suit against the federal government. The plaintiffs, ages 11 to 22, demanded that the U.S. government take action to stop global warming. They claim that the government’s actions—and inaction—in the face of climate change violate their “fundamental constitutional rights to freedom from deprivation of life, liberty, and property.” Their age is central to their argument since today’s children will be dealing with environmental disaster within their lifetimes. If the case, Juliana v. United States, does move forward it could be a game changer. It could determine whether the judicial branch should play a role in dealing with global warming. It might also decide whether U.S. citizens have a constitutional right to a safe, stable climate.

Quick Links:

• Read background

• Meet the Youth Plaintiffs (pictures and bios)

Longer Links:

• Read the Upfront Scholastic article

• Or, Juliana v The United States of America (60 Minutes 13.43 min story)

• Information about Climate Week (and the start with this Friday’s march