Final Verdict: What You Need to Know About the Juliana v. United States Case Outcome

The youth-led climate case, Juliana v. United States, has concluded without ever going to trial. This lawsuit, initiated in 2015 by Our Children’s Trust for 21 young plaintiffs, claimed that the U.S. government violated their rights to life and liberty by backing the fossil fuel industry. After nearly a decade of legal battles, the Supreme Court decided on March 24, 2024, to uphold a lower court’s ruling that dismissed the case.

Michael Burger, executive director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, highlighted the case’s broader significance, stating, "It’s the end of the case, but it’s not the end of the movement." He noted that Juliana inspired similar youth-led lawsuits around the world, such as Held v. Montana and Navahine v. Hawai’i. In recent decisions, courts in these states mandated consideration of climate change in energy projects.

Through three presidential administrations—Obama, Trump, and Biden—the government defended against Juliana, but never contested the core claims. Instead, they argued that the courts are not the right place for policy decisions, fearing a trial could harm the government. However, the plaintiffs argued their case based on the Public Trust Doctrine, which asserts that governments must protect natural resources for public use. This legal strategy echoes historic cases like Brown v. Board of Education, which led to monumental policy changes.

Despite losing, experts like Burger believe Juliana serves as a crucial model for accountability, showing how young people can push for governmental climate action using the law. The end of the lawsuit has raised questions about the effectiveness of legal strategies in forcing governmental change on environmental issues.

Sahara Valentine, one of the original plaintiffs, reflected on the emotional toll of the lawsuit’s conclusion. She shared her journey, starting at age 10, and acknowledged the challenges they faced along the way. "I think the government was nervous about how important our case was," she said, highlighting that the government’s actions suggested they feared the impact the lawsuit could have had.

The effects of climate change have been evident in Valentine’s life in Eugene, Oregon. She noted altered river conditions and increasingly intense summers, which have led to cancellations and health concerns from wildfires. The urgency of these changes fuels her desire to advocate for justice, but she also expressed concern about the future as she navigates adulthood in a changing world.

As Valentine continues her studies in environmental studies and Spanish at Western Washington University, she intends to focus on grassroots organizing. She sees remarkable connections among various social justice movements, realizing that her fight for climate justice intertwines with issues like prison abolition and global solidarity. "I want to explore those connections and how I can raise awareness about climate change and its impacts," she said.

The Juliana case may be over, but its influence continues to resonate. Young activists are inspired to hold governments accountable, and this story underscores the power of collective action in the face of climate change challenges.

For more context on youth-led climate litigation, check out this report by Institute for Policy Integrity.

Check out this related article: Transforming Erode and Thoothukudi: U.K. and Tamil Nadu Join Forces for Innovative Climate Initiatives

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