Swiss women score landmark climate win in a court decision that could ripple across Europe

Europe’s top rights court on Tuesday ruled that Switzerland was not doing enough to tackle climate change, in its first such ruling against a state on the issue

The European Court of Human Rights rejected two other, similar cases that sought to force governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

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Supporters and members of the association Senior Women for Climate Protection hold banners as they arrive for the ruling of a climate case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg, France on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 6:29pm, 9 Apr 2024Updated: 7:54pm, 9 Apr 2024

Europe’s highest human rights court ruled on Tuesday that its member nations must protect their citizens from the consequences of climate change, in a landmark ruling that sided with a group of 2,000 Swiss women against their government in a case that could have implications across the continent.

The European Court of Human Rights rejected two other, similar cases – a high-profile one brought by Portuguese young people and another by a French mayor, that sought to force governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

But those plaintiffs rejoiced, nonetheless, since the Swiss case sets a legal precedent in the Council of Europe’s 46 member states against which future lawsuits will be judged.

“The most important thing is that the court has said in the Swiss women’s case that governments must cut their emissions more to protect human rights,” said 19-year-od Sofia Oliveira, one of the Portuguese plaintiffs. “So, their win is a win for us, too, and a win for everyone!”

Anne Mahrer and Rosmarie Wyder-Walti, of the Senior Women for Climate Protection, talk to journalists after the court verdict on April 9. Photo: Reuters

The Swiss women were overjoyed as they descended to the court building’s foyer to cheers and applause. “I am overwhelmed at the result,” Pia Hollenstein, one of the women, said after the hearing.