Swiss Grannies launch legal challenge to demand stronger climate action | WPN World People News

More than 450 women aged 65 and over, on October 25, joined a global wave of legal actions demanding climate justice. The group launched a legal challenge to the Swiss Government’s climate policies, highlighting shortfalls that are putting their lives and future generations at risk.

KlimaSeniorinnen (“Senior Women for Climate Protection”) sent a formal legal complaint to the Swiss Government and three administrative bodies responsible for national climate policies. This move marks the first step in a new climate lawsuit. The case will proceed to court if the government fails to comply with the demands.

“As a grandmother, one of my most important tasks is to ensure the future quality of life of our grandchildren and our planet," said Rosmarie Wydler-Wälti, co-president of KlimaSeniorinnen.

The Government’s climate policies are unlawful and violate constitutional rights because they fail to limit warming to the politically agreed ‘safe level’, according to the group. They demand an immediate increase in the ambition of national climate targets for 2020 and 2030.

According to scientific research, older women are among the most vulnerable groups in a warming climate. Studies of heatwaves in Europe show they are more likely to get sick or die of dehydration, heatstroke, cardiac and circulatory problems.

Under the Paris Agreement governments around the world committed to immediate action to keep global temperature rise well below 2 or even 1.5 degrees Centigrade. The Paris Agreement enters into force on 4 November 2016.

“Failure to develop and implement robust climate policies has real-life consequences. Switzerland must do its fair share to limit temperature rise and dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions. In an era of climate crisis, the women of KlimaSeniorinnen are modern day heroes seeking to protect the health and lives of current and future generations. Greenpeace is proud to stand with them,” said Georg Klingler, climate campaigner for Greenpeace Switzerland.

The Swiss legal challenge is the latest in a growing wave of climate justice-related cases being brought against governments and fossil fuel companies. People have filed actions in countries including Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, and the Philippines.

“Around the world groups are standing up for climate justice and putting laggard governments and fossil fuel companies on notice. Governments have an obligation to protect the rights of people who are most vulnerable to climate change. With the Paris Agreement, countries must end the era of weak climate policies. If they don’t act now, we will see a lot more people taking governments and corporations to court,” added Klingler.

Source:　Greenpeace International