A group of elderly women wins a landmark lawsuit against climate change.

A group of elderly Swiss women just won historical processin which his country is condemned for climate inaction. This is not the first complaint of this kind. European Court of Human Rights. A total of three cases were heard on April 9, including this one. The other two were fired, but these elderly women, along with their lawyer, presented the case in such a way that it was impossible to turn away from them.

First of all, they focused on Switzerland’s failure to take measures commensurate with EU directives. Climate Change Convention. As a result, they and thousands of other people their age were exposed to harmful effects Heat waves.

After a particularly hot summer in Europe, in which Switzerland broke its own temperature records, it became clear that risk to which older people are exposed is real. Therefore, climate inaction can become a dangerous weapon if not stopped in time. Given the success of this women’s association, perhaps other countries around the world will be encouraged by its participation. take a stand against climate inaction. Now we also know that this is a human rights issue, so there are many reasons to try this.

The devastating consequences of climate inaction in Switzerland

Overall, 2023 was an extremely hot year around the world. No wonder its summer is considered the hottest in world history since records began to be recorded in 1880.

In the specific case of Switzerland, the hottest year was 2022, but the following summer was not far behind. Like here in Spain and many other countries, they had to endure several heat waves. Moreover, in 2024 they are already preparing for an unusual increase in temperature in April of this year.

Heat waves can put health any person, but they are especially dangerous for infants, children and the elderly. This was my greatest asset ClimaSeniorinnen Switzerlanda group of women, a significant part of them over 70 yearswho gathered to demand that his country take responsibility for climate inaction.

The first of many victories?

On April 9, this case, along with two others, was referred to the European Court of Human Rights. In one, former French mayor he condemned his country in other ways group of young Portuguese He faced both Portugal and 32 other governments.

The two were fired, but Swiss Women Against Climate Change won the case. The Court found that, as they stated, Switzerland had failed to comply with the Climate Change Convention and, in addition, had violated the right to respect for private and family life under the Climate Change Convention. European Convention on Human Rights.

Although the Swiss government has demonstrated its dissatisfaction with the resolution by denying its climate inaction, it appears they have already started work. And just a day after the European Court’s decision, they announced that they would increase their investment in Green Climate Fund. This is a UN-affiliated fund into which developed countries contribute money for climate change mitigation initiatives.

It is known that several other cases similar to this are awaiting resolution. both in Europe and the USA and other parts of the world. Perhaps this change in direction will be seen in future resolutions. And other people or institutions can be encouraged to raise their voices just like these women. If they could do it, then we are all capable. Although we lack the courage that only a woman who has lived for many years is capable of.