New UNEP Report Reveals Rising Environmental Court Cases

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New UNEP Report Reveals Rising Environmental Court Cases

Rising Climate Litigation: A Global Shift in Environmental Accountability

A recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sabin Centre for Climate Change Law at Columbia University has highlighted a significant increase in climate-related court cases worldwide. The report, titled Climate Change in the Courtroom: Trends, Impacts, and Emerging Lessons, underscores how legal actions on climate issues are being pursued in more countries than ever before.

The findings reveal that as of June 30, there were 3,099 climate-related cases filed across 55 national jurisdictions and 24 international or regional courts. This represents a consistent rise compared to previous years, with 2,180 cases recorded in 2022, 1,550 in 2020, and 884 in 2017. The data shows a growing trend in the use of legal mechanisms to address climate change.

Although cases from the Global South still make up less than 10% of the total, their share is steadily increasing. For instance, the report highlights five climate cases filed in Kenya, indicating rising environmental activism and judicial engagement in the region.

“Climate litigation has evolved into a powerful global tool for advancing climate action and accountability,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP. “Independent judicial systems are essential to ensuring that the transformation towards sustainability is just and effective.”

Key Developments in Climate Litigation

The 2025 edition of the report—the fourth since the series began in 2017—tracks major legal trends, pending cases, and landmark rulings between 2023 and 2025. It notes that courts around the world are increasingly recognizing the scientific basis of climate claims, including evidence linking extreme weather events to greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the most notable developments is the July 24 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which affirmed that states have binding legal duties under international law to prevent climate-related harm and protect the climate system.

However, the report also warns of a concerning rise in anti-climate litigation. This includes lawsuits aimed at rolling back environmental protections and targeting activists, journalists, and civil society groups opposing high-emission projects.

Broader Implications for Climate Governance

The report concludes that climate litigation now spans virtually all areas of climate governance and is influencing legal norms globally. It extends beyond traditional climate issues to include related crises such as biodiversity loss and pollution.

This shift reflects the growing recognition of the interconnected nature of environmental challenges and the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to address them.

Future Outlook and Collaborative Efforts

UNEP has emphasized its commitment to working with governments, legal institutions, and civil society to strengthen environmental justice and ensure accountability for climate action. The organization aims to support the development of fair and effective legal mechanisms that promote sustainable practices and protect vulnerable communities.

As climate litigation continues to evolve, it is clear that courts around the world are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of environmental policy and governance.


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