Climate change laws and litigation

Climate change laws and policies govern action on climate change by setting its legal basis. At the national level, legislation often stems from international commitments – such those set by the Paris Agreement on climate change. Climate change litigation refers to legal cases brought before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies that involve material issues of climate change science, policy or law. This includes court cases brought against governments and companies for failing to take sufficient action on climate change, but also cases that challenge climate action. 

Our work on climate laws and litigation focuses on analysing developing trends and themes in the laws/policies that are implemented and court cases heard. Central to this activity is the Climate Change Laws of the World database, which contains details of over 5,000 laws and policies from around the world.