Activists, led by the Russian environmental group Ecodefense and 18 individuals, are urging the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to hold Russia accountable for contributing to a “climate catastrophe.” They argue that Russia’s actions, particularly its war on Ukraine, are exacerbating global greenhouse gas emissions and worsening the climate crisis, which they claim violates human rights.
Ecodefense co-chair Vladimir Slivyak criticized Russia for failing to meet its climate commitments under the 2015 Paris Climate Accord. He pointed out that Russia’s internal policies are planning increased extraction of fossil fuels, despite the global push to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. He also linked Russia’s increased emissions to its military activities, noting that the production and use of military equipment contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
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The case was initially filed with the ECHR last August after Russia’s Supreme Court refused to hear it. The activists are seeking a ruling that Russian policies are dangerous for the climate and undermine international efforts to address climate change. While the court has not expedited the case, which may prolong the process, the activists hope that a ruling could influence future policy and set an international precedent.
Slivyak acknowledged the challenge of bringing the case, especially after Russia’s expulsion from the Council of Europe in 2022. However, he believes that a favorable ruling could still impact policy and public awareness globally, potentially shaping future climate policies and actions against countries that fail to meet their climate commitments.
