In a landmark climate trial, a Montana court on Monday ruled in favor of a group of youths who accused the western US state of violating their rights to a clean environment."By prohibiting analysis of GHG0 (greenhouse gas) emissions and corresponding impacts to the climate. the MEPA (Montana Environmental Policy Act) Limitation violates Youth Plaintiffs' right to a clean and healthful environment and is unconstitutional on its face," Seeley wrote.
The ruling follows a first-of-its-kind trial in the U.S., adding to a small number of legal decisions around the world that have established a government duty to protect citizens from climate change.