Poland
Górska et al. v. Poland
Jurisdiction: District Court
Side A: Małgorzata Górska and others (Individual)
Side B: Poland (Government)
Core objectives: Whether the Polish government's failure to protect plaintiffs from the worsening effects of climate change violates personal and human rights
Summary
During the week of June 7, 2021, three of five individual suits were filed alleging that the Polish government failed to protect plaintiffs from worsening climate impacts, in violation of Polish personal rights protected by the Polish Civil Code. Together, the five suits represent efforts by parents, ecotourism business owners, farmers and a youth climate campaigner to sue the government in district court using similar claims and a common remedy. According to a briefing released by ClientEarth, who are supporting the plaintiffs, Poland's outdated stance on climate change, including producing 70% of its electricity from coal, has contributed to climate-caused droughts, wildfires, flooding, and crop failures. Plaintiffs allege violation of the rights to life, health, and property enshrined in the Polish Civil Code, in addition to the rights to life and private and family life codified in Articles 2 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. They seek a court order requiring the government to reduce national GHG emissions 61% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and to reach net zero emissions by 2043.Case documents
from the Grantham Research Institute
from the Grantham Research Institute
