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Young people beat state on climate - 4th September 2023
In the US state of Montana, 16 young people have just won a battle in court. They argued that climate change had damaged their lives and they beat the state. It's the first case of its kind to be a success.
The young people, aged 5-22, blamed Montana's laws about fossil fuels. Montana's the fourth greatest coal-producing state, and the industry's a huge employer. But in court, the young people said they had to grow up in an unclean environment.
And their argument won because the law in the state protects Montanans by saying that "a clean and healthful environment" is necessary.
The state's experienced terrible weather over the last 20 years, including extreme periods of wet and dry weather, sometimes with wildfires. The court was told that one summer some children couldn't play soccer, due to the smoke.
Judge Seeley agreed that children were often damaged by pollution from fossil fuels.
The coal industry is essential for Montana's economy, but these days, there are other alternatives. Outdoor leisure – now a $1.7 billion business – is one possible area, and green energy, such as building wind turbines.
Other climate change fighters are hoping this win is the start of a new chapter. Similar court cases will soon be heard in Utah, Hawaii and Alaska, but also in countries such as Pakistan and Australia.
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