May 2024
Each month, we invite you to learn about the people, the progress, the precedent, and the history-making protection of children’s right to a safe climate powered by Our Children’s Trust.
On May 1, 2024, three Trump-appointed judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit unjustly granted the writ of mandamus filed by Biden’s Department of Justice, directing Judge Ann Aiken, against her objection, to dismiss Juliana v. United States.
This decision is a clarion call, not the end of our fight.
As our founder Julia Olson noted, the decision should offer a dire reminder of just how vital our courts are to a healthy democracy. A declaration of our constitutional rights by the courts is one of the few things that has moved our nation to greater justice and equality throughout history. The court’s opinion that declaring dangerous and discriminatory government systems unconstitutional doesn’t matter, is simply false. Read our full statement
This decision has deepened our determination for the work ahead.
Together, we will push forward and achieve victories. Each step we take brings us closer to universal recognition of children’s constitutional rights to a safe and livable climate. In safeguarding our constitutional democracy, we honor the essential role of all three branches of government in upholding our most sacred rights and values.
SUPPORT SURGES
In Washington, DC, our youth plaintiffs from several cases joined with hundreds of supporters at My Voice. My Rights. Our Future. A Rally to #SaveJuliana. HUGE gratitude to the 98 coalition partners and 31 co-hosts that joined in solidarity in this intergenerational demonstration at the White House, and to the 30 lawmakers that signed on to an amicus brief. Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz supported Juliana. Supporters from across the globe turned to action sending 70,000+ emails to the Biden Administration and gathering 320,000+ signatures on a global petition calling for Juliana to go to trial.
With you, we have the momentum needed to safeguard children’s constitutional rights and secure a livable planet.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR JULIANA?
Our legal team and the Juliana plaintiffs are preparing their next move forward. The full Ninth Circuit can review this egregious decision and correct the panel’s error, or President Biden can rectify this by settling the case and standing up for the constitutional rights of young people to a life-sustaining climate system.
It’s not too late to speak up. Tell President Biden that you demand justice for the Juliana 21.
YOUTH-POWERED JUSTICE
On April 22, Juliana plaintiff Isaac delivered a speech in front of the White House at the #SaveJuliana rally. Just a week later, the Ninth Circuit made their unjust decision to dismiss his case. Despite this setback Isaac remains committed to demanding climate justice.
Layla, the named plaintiff in Layla v. Commonwealth of Virginia, stood in solidarity with the Juliana 21 alongside hundreds of supporters, demanding justice for Juliana. Read her powerful speech to discover how Juliana inspired her journey toward climate action.
Avery and Alex joined Juliana when they were 10 and 18 years old. Now, nearly a decade later, they remain steadfast in their fight to uphold the constitutional right to a safe and stable climate system. In their compelling op-ed, they explore why climate justice can and should be secured through the courts.
PEOPLE-POWERED JUSTICE
As we persist in our fight for Juliana, we celebrate its profound influence: a global movement of youth-led constitutional climate litigation. Despite legal roadblocks, the impassioned voices of young people have resonated far beyond the courtroom, sparking a passionate call for climate action that transcends borders. Similar lawsuits have emerged worldwide, amplifying the urgency to address the climate crisis through the courts.
Last week, Kelly Matheson, deputy director of global climate litigation, and youth plaintiff Kalālapa from Hawai’i, were invited to testify at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. They passionately addressed the urgent climate crisis and emphasized the importance of the Court relying on the best available science to safeguard human rights. Watch their compelling testimony! Press release and video are available.
In April, in honor of Earth Month, we launched a campaign to unlock $40,000 to further our mission of securing the right to a livable climate for current and future generations. Our community responded to our call, and we received over 169 donations, each representing one of our youth plaintiffs in an active case. Thank you!