Carrying the Spirit of Aloha: Pahonu’s Journey for Climate Justice in Hawai‘i
For Pahonu C., a Native Hawaiian youth plaintiff in the groundbreaking Navahine v. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT lawsuit, climate justice is more than a fight—it’s a commitment to the land (‘āina), the community, and future generations. After achieving a historic Settlement Agreement with Hawaii’s government and HDOT, Pahonu reflects on the deep cultural values driving this work and the role young people play in shaping a sustainable future for Hawai‘i.
Defending Montana’s Judiciary & Constitutional Rights: A Statement from Co-Executive Directors Following Historic Ruling
It is deeply concerning to witness the attacks on Montana's judiciary by elected officials following the Montana Supreme Court's historic decision in Held v. State of Montana. These attacks, seemingly driven by fossil fuel special interests, reflect a troubling disregard for the true meaning of liberty and the right to life and property—not to mention the sworn duty of public officials to uphold and defend the Constitution.
Youth Plaintiff Genesis B. Takes a Stand Against the Climate Crisis
At just 18 years old, Genesis B., a lifelong resident of Long Beach, California, is already confronting the harsh realities of a warming planet. As a plaintiff in the youth-led climate lawsuit Genesis v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Genesis’s story sheds light on how the climate crisis is impacting young people on a deeply personal level.
Fighting for Montana’s Future: Grace’s Journey for Climate Justice
For Grace, a youth plaintiff in the historic constitutional climate lawsuit Held v. State of Montana, the fight for climate justice is deeply personal. Growing up in Montana, she fell in love with its breathtaking landscapes and the vibrant communities that call it home. Now, through her work with Our Children’s Trust, Grace is using her voice to hold leaders accountable and protect her state—and the planet—for generations to come. In this exclusive Q&A, Grace shares how her passion for climate rights began, her experience as a plaintiff in the first climate trial in U.S. history, and her hopes for a safe and livable future.
Empower Change: Activate Our Emotion
In the wake of devastating climate-fueled hurricanes, we reflect on the personal toll of this crisis and call for collective action. From our own staff grappling with the storms’ impacts, to young people like Avery displaced in Florida, and entire communities in North Carolina struggling to rebuild, the stories are both harrowing and galvanizing. This is a fight for fundamental rights, for life, liberty, and a livable planet. Together, we can empower the youth leading this charge and turn grief into transformative action.
Governments Are Perpetuating Climate, Health, and Nature Inequalities Hispanic Communities Face in the U.S.
There are nearly 9 million children living in America, and in 2022, the majority (41%) were Hispanic children under the age of 18 living in poverty—environments often neglected, industrialized, and riddled with pollution (1). For many Hispanics and Latinos, this is a reality shaped by deep-rooted social, economic, and environmental inequities, resulting from a discriminatory system that confines marginalized groups to segregated, toxic spaces.
How This Latina’s Passion for Climate Justice Fuels her Impact at Our Children’s Trust
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are excited to highlight Aly Bonilla, Executive Legal Assistant at Our Children’s Trust. A proud Honduran raised in Norwalk, Connecticut, Aly joined our team earlier this year, bringing her passion and dedication to advancing our mission to protect children’s rights to a safe climate. Aly's deep-rooted commitment and her unique perspective as a member of the Latinx community enriche our work, and we are thrilled to have her as a vital part of our team.
Guided by Heritage, Fueled by Justice: Taleah’s Fight for Constitutional Rights and Historic Climate Victory in Montana
Rooted in the strength of her Indigenous and Hispanic heritage, Taleah is one of the courageous youth plaintiffs in the landmark Held v. State of Montana lawsuit. In 2023, she and her fellow youth plaintiffs took their state government to court for worsening the climate crisis and violating their constitutional rights. After the first trial of its kind in the U.S., Judge Seeley issued a historic ruling wholly in their favor. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we highlight Taleah, her pivotal role in this historic climate victory, and how her culture drives her relentless fight for climate rights and the protection of her land.
From Fighting America’s Climate Case to Lessons in Perú: A Youth Plaintiff’s Journey for Climate Justice
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we proudly highlight Sahara, one of the 21 youth plaintiffs in the constitutional climate lawsuit Juliana v. United States. Sahara is also a college student studying abroad in Cusco, Perú, and in the Q&A below, she shares her perspective on being a youth plaintiff in America’s Climate Case and the climate challenges facing Cusco’s communities.
A Word on Utah Supreme Court Hearing from Our Co-Executive Director
This week made me especially proud to work at Our Children’s Trust. I wanted to quickly share a little bit about how we’re making big moves in unexpected places, including the very conservative state of Utah.
United for Climate Action: From Wildland Conservation in Utah to Youth-Led Climate Litigation
Fighting the climate crisis through youth-led litigation would not be possible without the support of communities and global partners that fuel the climate movement. On September 4, 2024, the seven youth plaintiffs in the constitutional climate lawsuit Natalie R. v. State of Utah appeared before the Utah Supreme Court to advocate for their right to be heard at trial.
Fossil Fuels Come for The Greatest Snow on Earth
For more than sixty years, Utah’s “white gold” has been considered “the greatest snow on Earth”, with numerous ski areas and an Olympics to back up the claim(1). This snow, when it melts, supplies about 70% of the water to the Great Salt Lake(2). And the Great Salt Lake contributes ~$2.5 billion to Utah’s economy and supplies additional moisture to the mountains to make “the greatest snow on Earth”(3). In addition, the lake supports ~80% of Utah’s wetlands, provides for over 10 million migratory birds a year, and hosts 350 bird species(4).
Climate Crisis and Institutional Betrayal Inextricably Linked to Rising Mental Health Issues Among Children
Elizabeth Pinsky is the Associate Director at the Massachusetts General Center for Environment and Health and a child and adolescent psychiatrist and pediatrician. She also serves as a pro bono expert in Genesis v. EPA. The excerpt below is from her declaration filed on August 12, 2024, in support of the youth plaintiffs.
This Young Californian is Fighting to Protect Children’s Rights in Equal Protection, Constitutional Climate Suit, Genesis v. EPA
Noah is one of 18 young plaintiffs in the landmark climate lawsuit, Genesis v. EPA seeking to hold the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accountable for violating their fundamental constitutional rights to equal protection of the law and their fundamental rights to life by allowing life-threatening levels of fossil fuel climate pollution.
From Calvin Ball to Climate Crisis: A Genesis Plaintiff’s Plea for Change
I love my city, but I don’t know how much my city loves me. I’m a young person of color and I don’t feel seen by leaders. Being Muslim and female already makes it harder to be listened to. Being young and not even of voting age, compounds my ability to make a difference and even be seen or listened to.
For Children Being Discriminated by EPA, Volunteering and Activism Isn’t Enough
I joined Genesis v. EPA as a youth plaintiff because I see the climate crisis worsening right before my eyes, and it scares me. I know that my health and quality of life will be increasingly harmed as fossil fuel pollution continues, and I want to have equal rights to adults, and past generations when it comes to the livability of our climate and my home community.
Hawai‘i Youth-Led Constitutional Climate Case Makes History
Thirteen young people across Hawai‘i made history on June 20, 2024, when they announced a historic Settlement Agreement in their constitutional climate lawsuit Navahine v. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
Testimony at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights Advocating for Best Available Climate Science to Protect Childrens’ Right
On April 23, 24, and 25, 2024, in Bridgetown, Barbados, Kalālapaikuanalu Winter, a 20-year-old Native Hawaiian and youth plaintiff in Navahine v. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and attorney Kelly Matheson with Our Children’s Trust, along with the backing of 21 youth and 18 pediatric associations—testified before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) about the harrowing effects of climate change on children across the globe and what humanity must do to stop the crisis.
Youth in Hawai‘i Reach Historic Climate Settlement to Decarbonize Its State Transportation Sector
I le‘a ka hula i ka ho‘opa‘a is a Hawaiian saying which translates to “the hula is pleasing because of the drummer.” Essentially, the saying means the smaller details that one pays little attention to are just as important as the major ones.
On the Bench with Delores Barr Weaver
We are proud to announce that Delores Barr Weaver created a 2024 Legacy Fund for Our Children’s Trust to advance our work to save our planet for our children’s sake. The Fund at Our Children’s Trust was established with a gift of one million dollars and serves as a fundraising challenge to our community. It is a gift designed to inspire generosity among as many people as possible.