Document Type

Report

Publication Date

6-2024

Abstract

In recent years, climate litigation has undergone a notable transformation globally, witnessing a surge in cases across diverse jurisdictions. While scholarly interest has predominantly focused on cases from the Global North, attention to litigation originating in the Global South has been more limited. Nonetheless, understanding the distinct legal grounds, remedies sought, and objectives of plaintiffs in the Global South is crucial. This report addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive insight into the current landscape of climate litigation in the Global South.

The report utilizes data from the Sabin Center’s Global Climate Change Litigation databases, which has seen an influx of new cases in recent years, thanks to enhanced data collection efforts and more cases being filed, especially in the past four years. By analyzing key metrics such as case numbers, statuses, trajectories, and legal decisions, the report offers concise analyses of climate litigation within each jurisdiction. It acknowledges the challenges and opportunities unique to the Global South’s legal landscape. As of March 2024, the databases encompass close to 2,629 cases, spanning 54 jurisdictions (excluding international or regional courts, tribunals, quasi-judicial bodies, or other adjudicatory bodies). Of these jurisdictions, 21 are from the Global South, accounting for 40.7% of those covered. However, despite this representation, Global South cases in the database are proportionally lower in number. Global South cases represent only 8.3% of the total cases documented.

Disciplines

Environmental Law | International Law | Law

Download

Share

COinS