Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 7, 2025 Climate and environment
Climate-related litigation is rapidly growing and is spreading to more countries, according to a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Columbia University Climate Change Law Center.
The report, titled “Climate Change in the Courtroom: Trends, Impacts, and Emerging Lessons,” is the fourth in a series launched in 2017. Among the most significant decisions highlighted in the document are: advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, confirming the commitments of states to combat climate change.
According to the report, as of June 30, 2025, a total of 3,099 climate-related cases had been filed globally – in 55 countries and 24 international or regional judicial and quasi-judicial bodies. This is significantly higher than the 2,180 cases registered in 2022 and the 884 cases registered in 2017. While countries in the Global South account for less than 10 percent of all cases, their participation is gradually increasing.
"Climate jurisprudence has emerged as a powerful tool for advancing climate action and accountability," said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. "The transformation of energy, transport, housing, and food systems must be achieved through collaborative efforts, based on ambitious and science-based policies. An independent judiciary plays a key role in ensuring that this transition is fair and effective."
Since the first climate change-related case was filed nearly forty years ago, the field has expanded and matured significantly. Litigation covers an increasingly broad range of issues, from greenwashing (false environmental claims) and carbon offset disputes to the regulation of energy-intensive data centers.
Today, courts are considering virtually all aspects of climate governance—from emission reduction and climate change adaptation to human rights protection and corporate financial responsibility. Cases related to biodiversity loss and environmental pollution are increasingly being heard in court.
Judicial bodies increasingly rely on scientific evidence, including studies linking specific extreme weather events to greenhouse gas emissions. Such decisions help shape international legal norms and liability standards.
At the same time, there has been a rise in the number of "anti-climate" cases aimed at weakening environmental regulations or restricting investments based on environmental and social criteria. Particularly alarming is the increase in lawsuits against environmental activists, journalists, and civil society organizations opposing high-emission projects.
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