The cost of climate inaction: Landmark ruling presses European governments to act

Back to homepage / Shows / The Debate Issued on: 09/04/2024 – 19:30 20:15 The cost of climate inaction © France24 “To choose not to choose is still to act.” Those the words of French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. Judges at Europe’s highest jurisdiction agree. Their non-binding ruling against Switzerland over its failure to formulate a concrete climate action plan resonating […]

T Kauer T Kauer
Apr 10, 2024 - 03:50
The cost of climate inaction: Landmark ruling presses European governments to act

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The cost of climate inaction

The cost of climate inaction © France24

“To choose not to choose is still to act.” Those the words of French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. Judges at Europe’s highest jurisdiction agree. Their non-binding ruling against Switzerland over its failure to formulate a concrete climate action plan resonating as scientists confirm that the planet’s coming off the hottest month of March on record. 

We will ask about the case, the two others thrown out on technicalities, and that pressing arbitration that governments must make between the urgent and the important.

The urgent is saving livelihoods – like those of say farmers and small homeowners if they have to front the cost of new environmental norms. The important is reducing carbon emissions that are accelerating global warming. 

In the run-up to European elections, politicians have prioritized pocketbooks, backtracking on previous pledges in what some see as a populist backlash against the EU’s green deal. So, beyond electoral cycles and symbolic rulings, where is the path to consensus and the safeguarding of our chidren’s future?

Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Rebecca Gnignati and Guillaume Gougeon.

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