Words by Smiley Team
Setting a precedent for the world, the French government is considering ramping up its climate goals, after four major organisations filed a legal suit against the state. The ruling is likely to encourage leaders around the world to accelerate their responses to the climate crisis.
The French government itself acknowledged that its climate policies are insufficient to meet its target of a 40 per cent emissions reduction by 2030. Oxfam estimates that even if they did meet this goal it would not be enough to prevent catastrophic climate collapse. Instead, they recommend cuts of more than 65 per cent for European countries to contribute its fair share of global emissions and to limit global heating to 1.5C.
In support of the action, more than 2.3 million citizens signed the largest petition in French history. The campaign was launched in 2018 by the French divisions of Oxfam and Greenpeace, as well as climate justice nonprofit Notre Affaire à Tous, and The Nicolas Hulot Foundation, an organisation created by French journalist and environmental activist Nicolas Hulot.
Opening the way for more significant climate action from leaders worldwide, the judge’s decision was called “a historic victory for climate justice” by the executive director of Oxfam France, Cécile Duflot.
She added: “For the first time, a French court has ruled that the State can be held responsible for its climate commitments. This sets an important legal precedent and can be used by people affected by the climate crisis to defend their rights. This is a source of hope for the millions of French people who demanded legal action, and for all of those who continue to fight for climate justice around the world. It is also a timely reminder to all governments that actions speak louder than words.”
The court ruling could catalyse further action from leaders worldwide. It follows a similar case in the Netherlands last year, in which the Supreme Court ordered the government to make its emissions reduction target more ambitious. The Belgian government is facing an upcoming case to enforce more ambitious climate policies. The number of climate litigation cases has doubled since 2017, according to a recent report by the UN Environment Program. As of July 2020, at least 1,550 climate change cases had been filed in 38 countries.
Usually associated with tackling poverty around the world, Oxfam confronts the impact of the climate crisis, which is already hitting poorer countries particularly hard. They respond directly to communities most affected by climate change and help people adapt to volatile climate conditions by growing more resilient crops, building stronger houses and providing training to create sustainable livelihoods for people.
To support their work improving people’s lives, you can make a donation. For every £1 Oxfam spends, 84 per cent goes to fighting poverty, while the remaining 16 per cent covers vital costs and helps their fundraising efforts.
