In a historic ruling, the European Court of Human Rights (“Court”) found that the European Convention on Human Rights (“Convention”) encompasses a right to effective protection by the State authorities against the adverse effects of climate change. The Court found that Switzerland had failed to act in a timely and sufficient manner to adopt and implement relevant legislation and measures to mitigate climate change, violating Article 8 of the Convention. Although the judgment is final and binding, the Court did not order Switzerland to take specific measures to comply with the ruling. This new case law will undoubtedly have a significant symbolic and political impact.
While the rights protected under the Convention are not directly applicable to private entities such as companies, the judgment may however add further momentum to so-called horizontal climate change lawsuits brought against private entities.
AUTHORS
Astrid Waser
Partner
Dominique Müller
Partner, Head of Investigations and Co-Head of Employment (Litigation)
Eva Müller
Associate
