SECURING CHILDREN’S FUNDAMENTAL CLIMATE RIGHTS  

We’re powering young people asserting their climate rights in courts around the world. When we succeed, we will have reclaimed children’s rights to life, safety, and prosperity—rights that cannot be understood without a safe, and livable climate. 

THE FUTURE OF 2 BILLION CHILDREN IS
THREATENED BY CLIMATE CHANGE.

We exclusively represent children — free of charge — to protect their right to a stable climate.

  • We know the scientific prescription for a safe climate: return atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations to below 350 parts per million by 2100. Scientists rang the alarm, but governments have affirmatively promoted fossil fuels. To stop global heating, we bring scientists to court to show how, when, and why the fossil fuel era must end. Establishing the constitutional standard to a safe and stable climate for children and future generations sets the bar for government conduct. We seek legally binding judicial declarations that end new fossil fuel infrastructure and extraction, phase out fossil fuels no later than 2050, and restore the Earth’s energy balance.

  • Children are living through unprecedented wildfires, smoke, heat, storms, drought, and floods, and they know what needs to be done. Those in power need to listen to young people’s simple and serious demands. Trust science. Act now. Their health and their future depend on it. As advocates, our job is to make sure children’s voices are heard in courts of law, telling judges the stories of their burning lungs, lost homes, their hope, and their fear. It’s our job to obtain enforceable remedies against governments that are harming children and generations to come the politically silent majority. Constitutional impact litigation is the most important tool to secure durable climate justice.

  • We launched a global era of climate impact litigation to hold governments accountable for perpetuating the climate crisis. Emboldened and empowered by our inclusive, proactive approach, young people took to the courts, organized in the streets, and demanded that governments listen. Today, we partner with youth, lawyers, organizations, and the people to mobilize and realize the full power of our democracy. The world’s courts the third branch of government hold the power to enforce the right to life for all of our children. We train the next generation of legal minds to think big, advance the law, and boldly protect our democracy.

YOUTH-POWERED LITIGATION

FUND THE FUTURE. DONATE TODAY.

Our Children’s Trust empowers young people asserting their climate rights to transform the entire energy paradigm from one that prioritizes profits to one that centers their lives and fundamental rights. 

We are community powered. Your donations fund: 

  • Strategy and communications training for youth advocates 

  • Partnership building across communities, sectors, and geographies  

  • Winning legal strategies and comprehensive representation to youth plaintiffs at zero cost.  

  • And trauma-informed care to support their leadership. 

Together, we can secure the climate rights that protect children today, and for generations to come. 

Donate

In the News

AWARDS

  • TIME names Our Children’s Trust Founder, Co-Executive Director, and Chief Legal Counsel Julia Olson to the 2026 TIME100 Climate Visionaries for pioneering a legal framework that centers children’s constitutional rights in the fight against climate change, securing the landmark victory in Held v. State of Montana, and advancing youth-led climate litigation in state, federal, and global courts.

    Sierra Club honors Our Children’s Trust with the Sierra Club 2026 Trail Blazer Award for centering youth voices in legal actions defending the constitutional and human rights of children, achieving landmark climate victories, and collaborating with scientists, medical professionals, and frontline allies to build compelling cases and strengthen democracy.  

    The Environmental & Natural Resources Section honors Nate Bellinger with the Outstanding Achievement Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and outstanding contributions in the areas of environmental and natural resources law.

    Ashoka honors Julia Olson, Co-Executive Director and Chief Legal Counsel of Our Children’s Trust, as a 2025 Ashoka Fellow for pioneering youth-led climate litigation that elevates young leadership, establishes enforceable rights to a livable climate, and holds governments accountable for meaningful redress.

    Forbes names Julia Olson, Co-Executive Director and Chief Legal Counsel of Our Children’s Trust, a 2025 Sustainability Leader for her trailblazing work advancing youth-led climate lawsuits to protect children’s rights to a safe and livable planet.

    Public Justice honors Nate Bellinger, Julia Olson, and Mat dos Santos of Our Children’s Trust; Phil Gregory of Gregory Law Group; Barbara Chillcott and Melissa Hornbein of Western Environmental Law Center; and Roger Sullivan of McGarvey Law with the Trial Lawyer of the Year award for their groundbreaking work in Held v. Montana—the first constitutional climate change case ever to go to trial and secure a historic ruling from Montana Supreme Court.