Letter: Support young people fighting for planet

The climate crisis is accelerating, and our children, who have the most to lose, are fighting climate change with the law.

Held v. State of Montana, the first-ever constitutional climate trial in U.S. history, has been brought by 16 bold, youth plaintiffs. The trial began June 12 and is expected to last two weeks.

Juliana v. United States, the first federal, youth-led climate case, was denied a trial by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on the grounds that the plaintiffs sought relief that was beyond the powers of the federal courts to order or implement. Held v. State of Montana is one of two youth-led lawsuits seeking relief from climate change using state constitutions.

A Hawaiian trial court ruled that a climate change case brought under its constitution could move forward and is scheduled for September. Provisions in the Hawaii Constitution require the government to preserve natural resources "for the benefit of present and future generations," and provide a "right to a clean and healthful environment." Held v. State of Montana also relies on a state constitutional provision that the government has a duty to "maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment." The key difference between these state cases and Juliana is their grounding in explicit state environmental protections.

Our Children's Trust is a global, nonprofit law firm dedicated exclusively to providing young climate leaders with the legal representation they need to use the courts to fight climate change. Active climate litigation is also underway in Utah, Virginia, Canada and Mexico.

Spread the word on these cases, sign an online wall of support, follow Our Children's Trust for updates and donate. Our children need us to stand with them.

Donna Limper

Bloomingdale