Protecting the rights of future generations through climate litigation: lessons from the struggle against deforestation in the Colombian Amazon

Abstract

In 2017, a group of 25 children and young people in Colombia filed a lawsuit against the State for failing to stop deforestation in the Amazon region. They claimed that the high deforestation rate in the country and its connection with climate change was threatening their right to life, health, water, and food, while violating their right to a healthy environment. This article analyzes lessons for climate change litigation and advocacy based on the Colombian experience. First, lawsuits have become an increasingly frequent route for citizens' claims to urgent action on climate change. Second, understanding the impact of this kind of litigation requires taking into account its effects on both public policies and the public sphere. Third, litigators need to pay close attention to the implementation phase of their efforts and keep the pressure on relevant public officials. Lastly, the impact of any litigation will depend on the engagement and mobilization of local communities and citizens.