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Abstract

Children’s climate litigation has emerged as a powerful tool to address the climate crisis, with young plaintiffs around the world taking governments and corporations to court to demand climate action. This Article examines successful cases—those in which relief sought by the applicants was fully or partially granted—across five continents, providing an “around the world” perspective on the evolution and impact of youth-led climate litigation. Focusing on landmark cases in Australia, Colombia, South Africa, South Korea, and the United States, this analysis highlights the arguments presented by young plaintiffs and the judicial reasoning that supported the relief granted. Through a comparative lens, the Article explores commonalities and differences in legal strategies and the framing of children’s rights and intergenerational justice. In particular, it compares the remedies ordered by courts, assessing the effectiveness of children’s climate litigation strategies. By showcasing these successes, the Article underscores the transformative potential of children’s climate litigation to advance legal protections for present and future generations, while also drawing lessons to inform future advocacy and judicial engagement on climate change.

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