Protest for climate justice, Paris, March 12, 2022. RAPHAEL KESSLER / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP
This is the fourth climate-related lawsuit brought against France. The advocacy group Notre affaire à tous ("Our shared concern") has taken the French government to France's highest administrative court, the Conseil d'Etat, for failing to uphold its "fair share" in the global climate effort. In this legal action for abuse of power, made public on Thursday, December 4, the nonprofit organization asked the court to acknowledge that France is experiencing a "persistent delay" in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and is not fulfilling its equitable contribution to the fight against climate change, in light of its historical responsibility and financial means.
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The principle of a "fair share" or equity, which is recognized in law, diplomacy and scientific research, "is absolutely not accounted for in national policies," said Jérémie Suissa, executive director of Notre affaire à tous. "Yet it is a legal obligation and the only way to solve the climate challenge."
