Paris, France — Today, The Paris Administrative Court ruled in favor of plaintiffs, including Greenpeace France, in a landmark case acknowledging the responsibility of the French State for the climate crisis.
Executive director of Greenpeace France Jean-François Julliard said in response:
“Let’s be frank: this is an historic win for climate justice. A French judge has ruled that climate inaction of the French State is illegal. This decision not only takes into consideration what scientists say and what people want from French public policies, but it should also inspire people all over the world to hold their governments accountable for climate change in their own courts. For governments the writing is on the wall: climate justice doesn’t care about speeches and empty promises, but about facts! This story is not over, we will use this decision as a crucial first step in pushing our scientifically-grounded arguments and get the court in the coming months to order the French State to act against the climate emergency. No more blablas!”
Why is it historic?
- It’s the first time the State’s responsibility in the climate crisis, because of its lack of action, is acknowledged by French justice.
- It’s a victory of truth over the denial of the State, who has relentlessly claimed its actions are sufficient, despite evidence (GHG emissions consistently over carbon ceilings, reports from the High Council for the Climate, etc.). Today justice sides with all those who have been warning about the climate crisis for decades.
- The recognition of the State’s fault and responsibility is a crucial step to obtain a court order forcing the State to act.
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. Click here to read the decision in French.
2. Plaintiffs in the case include the Nicolas Hulot Foundation, Notre Affaire à Tous, Oxfam France and Greenpeace France.
Media contacts
Magali Rubino, Greenpeace France, [email protected], +33 (0) 7 78 41 78 78
Greenpeace International Press Desk: [email protected], +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)
