“We’re addressing the impacts of climate change today, and needless to say, this is a priority because we know now that climate change is here,” Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. “It is not something that we’re considering in an abstract way.”
Hawaii will settle a climate change lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of children and young adults, with state officials agreeing to gradually reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.
The settlement was announced earlier this week by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, who held a press conference attended by several of the activists and attorneys involved in the lawsuit.
“We’re addressing the impacts of climate change today, and needless to say, this is a priority because we know now that climate change is here,” Green said. “It is not something that we’re considering in an abstract way.”
According to The Hill, the complaint was first filed in 2022. In it, a group of 13 young plaintiffs argued that transportation-related emissions threatened their right to a clean and healthy environment.
Children and youth in other states have filed similar lawsuits—but Hawaii’s announcement marks the first time that a state has settled a climate change claim, rather than attempting to force a dismissal or pushing the case to trial.
“Climate change is indisputable,” said Hawaii Director of Transportation Ed Sniffen in a statement. “Burying our heads in the sand and making it the next generation’s problem is not pono.”
ABC News reports that the complaint was, at least in part, predicated on the young plaintiffs’ own sense of frustration. One of the participants—a 14-year-old indigenous Hawaiian raised in Oahu, and whose family has farmed taro for generations—said that an extreme increase in both rates of drought and unusually heavy rains have jeopardized her prospects of continuing the family business.
The terms of the settlement, if approved, would direct the state to create a greenhouse gas reduction plan within the next year. It would also require that Hawaii publicize a “road map” toward “decarbonization.”
Its other provisions include “immediate, ambitious investments in clean transportation infrastructure,” such as the construction of pedestrian and bicycle networks, as well as a $40 million investment in electricity-driven public transportation options.
Rylee Brooke K., one of the plaintiffs, said that the agreement offers some hope for youth and future generations.”
“Being heard and moving forward in unity with the state to combat climate change is incredibly gratifying, and empowering,” she said. “[…] The partnership marks a pivotal step towards preserving Hawaii for future generations—one that will have a ripple effect on the world.”
“I hope our case inspires youth to always use their voices to hold leaders accountable for the future they will inherit,” she said.
Sources
Hawaii agrees to ‘groundbreaking’ settlement of youth climate change case
Hawaii settles kids’ climate lawsuit, agrees to cut emissions
Youth in Hawaii took on the state government over climate change. A historic settlement has emerged
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