Thread by @climatecaseire

So, today we're heading to the Supreme Court to demand protection of citizens' Constitutional and human rights.

Our case is one of only a handful of climate cases in the WORLD to make it to the SC ⚖🏛

But what is the relevance of our case in our current political context?
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Our case is significant regardless of what any (potential) new coalition govt plans to do. We're seeking to establish that climate policy must be consistent with 🇮🇪's legal obligations to protect human rights, incl. rights under the Constitution & EU Convention on Human Rights.

Climate Case Ireland is seeking to establish recognition of a *legal limit* to the government’s discretion in making (and indeed delaying) urgently needed climate policy.

Our case furthermore makes clear that in order for the Irish government to fulfil its legal obligations in protecting citizens from the worst impacts of climate change, what matters most is how quickly the government reduces emissions in the *short-term.* 🌡⌛

Any delay in cutting emissions is knowingly accelerating the climate crisis, and constitutes a grave violation of our human rights, including the right to life.

We're also seeking to establish an 'unenumerated' right to a safe environment.

The Irish government has repeatedly agreed that developed countries like Ireland must lead the (dangerously overdue) transition to a low-carbon economy and society, owing to our historically disproportionate contribution to the climate crisis.

Yet 🇮🇪’s emissions remain among the highest in EU per person, & our emissions have risen significantly over the past 3 decades. But none of this is evident or necessary. We have the power to change the story and demand a better reality. That’s why we’re turning to the Supreme Ct.

We are deeply thankful to our incredible supporters, the climate movement in Ireland (and around the world), and everyone fighting the good fight for climate justice.

This case is for all of us. 🌎💛🌍

Stay tuned for updates throughout the next 2 days!