Landmark Climate Lawsuit Begins in European Court of Human Rights

April 08, 2025: The European Court of Human Rights has opened hearings in a high-stakes climate lawsuit that could reshape governments’ legal obligations under human rights law. Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland was brought by a group of older Swiss women who argue that their government’s insufficient action on climate change violates their fundamental rights to life and health under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The plaintiffs, members of the group KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz, are all women over 64, a demographic they argue is disproportionately vulnerable to extreme heat linked to global warming. They claim that Switzerland’s climate policies lack ambition and execution, falling short of international commitments and scientific recommendations. Their legal team argues that the government’s failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the necessary pace constitutes a breach of positive obligations to protect life under Article 2 and private life under Article 8 of the Convention.

This is the first time the Strasbourg-based court has heard a climate case of this scale, with direct implications for 46 Council of Europe member states. A ruling favoring the plaintiffs could establish a precedent for holding national governments accountable for the climate-related impacts of policy inaction under human rights frameworks rather than environmental law alone.

Switzerland’s defense argues that climate change is a complex global issue that cannot be solely attributed to domestic emissions policy. They also challenge the case’s admissibility, claiming the plaintiffs cannot demonstrate sufficient personal impact to establish standing under the Convention.

Human rights organizations, climate scientists, and legal scholars across Europe are closely monitoring the case. Amicus briefs have been submitted by several UN bodies and NGOs, asserting that human rights courts are well-positioned to provide legal clarity on state responsibilities in the context of escalating climate risks.

A verdict is expected later this year. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, it would set a binding precedent and open the door to similar actions across Europe targeting climate policy through human rights litigation.