Montana’s landmark climate ruling: three key takeaways

A judge last week ruled the young plaintiffs have the right to a clean environment – and experts say this changed the climate litigation landscape

In a groundbreaking legal decision, a Montana judge last week ruled in favor of young people who had accused state officials of violating their constitutional rights by promoting fossil fuels.

In a 103-page court order, Judge Kathy Seeley of the first judicial district court, affirmed the plaintiffs’ claim that a stable climate is included in a right to a “clean and healthful environment”, guaranteed in the state’s constitution.