Japanese youth are taking action against major utility firms in an effort to hold them accountable for their role in the current climate crisis. A group of 16 young activists is suing utility conglomerates, per recent reporting by The Japan Times.
What's happening?
Teens and young people in their 20s have joined forces to take a stand against 10 power plant operators in Japan. According to the plaintiffs, this is the first case of its kind brought by young people in the country.
Filed in August, the lawsuit claims the utility operators have been burning dirty energy into the atmosphere, violating Japan's climate commitments. In a statement, the plaintiffs' lawyers said the lawsuit's objective is to protect the young "from the dangerous and negative impacts of climate change," which is a "violation of their human rights and those of future generations."
The young activists also noted how the utility companies' self-imposed 2030 emission reduction targets rely on "technically unproven technologies." These strategies include burning coal mixed with ammonia and storing carbon dioxide underground, both of which the plaintiffs argue are "extremely inadequate."
Similar climate-related cases have been brought by teenagers across the globe. In South Korea, for instance, a group of young environmental activists won a landmark case after the court ruled the country's climate goals were insufficient and unmet. In the U.S., related claims have led to trials in places like Montana, Hawai'i, and California.
Why is this new lawsuit important?
Japan's current lawsuit against power plant operators is a historical move against major climate polluters. Without activists and policymakers speaking out to apply pressure, companies will continue to utilize dirty energy, threatening the health of the public and the planet.
What's being done about pollution from dirty energy?
By 2030, Japan intends to cut emissions by 46% compared to 2013's levels, per The Japan Times. That includes increasing renewables, cutting fossil fuels to a 41% share, and upping nuclear as high as 22%. The hope is that this case can force them to walk the talk.
Activists around the world are taking legal action against major corporations to hold them accountable for the pollution they generate. As more countries rule in favor of environmental activists, companies will be forced to reduce their emissions and transition toward clean energy.
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