As the world’s eyes turn to Brazil for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), Austin-based Texas Impact/Texas Interfaith Power & Light is sending dispatches from the conference to the Chronicle.
Climate change litigation refers to cases brought before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies that involve material issues of climate change science, policy, or law.
In July 2025 the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion that changed the landscape for climate litigation, opening the door to more lawsuits by individuals and communities impacted by climate-induced loss and damage. There have been more than 3,000 climate-related lawsuits since 1986 worldwide, with more than 225 filed in the past year. As attribution science becomes more sophisticated, scientists and lawyers have had increasing success in proving claims of climate-induced harm. The ICJ opinion set precedents that are expected to change the global face of climate litigation.
While litigation is often seen as the last resort in public policy, it is nevertheless a critical process in many forms of government where separation of powers seeks to ensure fairness. Many human rights and social justice policies advanced in the US and other nations have been legislated in response to lawsuits.
Climate litigation can be as complex and varied as the issue of carbon pollution itself. Litigation can seek to change government structures; punish polluters; regulate industries; or compensate for damages to health and property, among other goals. As precedents like those set by the ICJ opinion become part of the global climate policy foundation, climate litigation is expected to become more influential in the policy decisions at the UNFCCC and other international policymaking bodies.
As Joy Reyes of the London School of Economics Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment explains, climate litigation is an increasingly valuable tool in the climate justice toolbox.
About Texas Impact
Texas Impact exists to put faith into action. We equip faith leaders and their congregations with the information, opportunities, and outreach tools to educate their communities and engage with lawmakers on pressing public policy issues. We are an interfaith group that works together on issues that impact the most vulnerable people in our communities. We help people live out their faith in the public square, moving the faith community from charity to justice.
