Climate Changes

This case focused on adaptation measures rather than mitigation measures, as Pakistan is not a major contributor to climate change but is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. A farmer brought the case against the government for its failure to enact adaptation measures to address vulnerabilities associated with climate change. Ashgar Leghari, a Pakistani farmer, sued the national government for its failure to properly implement the National Climate Change Policy of 2012 and the Framework for Implementation of Climate Change Policy (2014-2030). The court found that government’s delay in implementing the Framework violated the fundamental rights of Pakistan’s citizens. The court directed several government ministries to name a climate change point-person within their ministry to ensure implementation of the Framework and to present a list of action points by the end of the calendar year (2015). In its judgement, the court also created a Climate Change Commission composed of representatives from relevant ministries, civil society, and scientific experts to monitor the government’s progress.

Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency

In this U.S. Supreme Court case, twelve states and several cities of the United States, brought suit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to force that federal agency to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) as pollutants.