Verfassungsblog (Apr 2024)

<p><em>KlimaSeniorinnen</em> and the Choice Between Imperfect Options</p> - Incorporating International Climate Change Law to Maintain the ECHR’s Relevance Amid the Climate Crisis

  • Johannes Reich

DOI
https://doi.org/10.59704/57e3e303d99f2f0e
Journal volume & issue
no. 2366-7044

Abstract

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The facts of Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland were categorically different from the ECtHR’s previous environmental case law. The Court therefore decided to incorporate important parts of International Climate Change Law into the ECHR. From an institutional perspective, this approach, which is not without its weaknesses, amounts to the ECtHR’s attempt to maintain the relevance of the Convention in the midst of the climate crisis, while, at the same, carefully striving to respect the realm of politics.

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