By Meredith Lanning

Climate change protest. Photo credit: Fred Murphy.

In a groundbreaking battle in the fight against climate change, a group of young environmental activists, ages 5 to 22, won a lawsuit this summer against the Montana government in hopes of creating a cleaner environment for future generations, adding to Montana’s ongoing battle with climate change. The group of young individuals protested for a change in how the government was releasing carbon emissions into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels. 

According to National Geographic, fossil fuels are “made from decomposing plants and animals… Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels.” Burning fossil fuels impacts the environment by polluting the air and water, as well as a rise in global temperatures known as the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon is at the heart of climate change, which has far-reaching consequences, such as more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and ecosystem disruptions.

Climate change impacts Montana, according to EPA, with most of the state experiencing an approximately two-degree Fahrenheit temperature increase over the last century. This has led to an increase in heatwaves and earlier snowmelt during spring. Elevated temperatures and recent droughts have resulted in soil dryness, leading to tree mortality, a higher risk of forest fires, and outbreaks of forest insects. In the foreseeable future, this shifting climate is expected to reduce water availability in Montana, impact agricultural productivity, and aggravate the wildfire hazard. More and more concerns are rising for this state, making Montana a vulnerable state to climate change effects. 

Carbon being emitted into atmosphere. Photo credit: rawpixel

The growing involvement of young people in climate activism is due to public awareness through social media and other organizations. These youth-led associations, such as Climate Cardinals, Earth Uprising, One Up Action, and Youth4Nature, are using their platforms to lead the new generations to make a difference, advocating for change. Pew Research Center explains that this motivation for engagement of a younger audience is coming from the rise in social media, “Compared with older adults, Gen Zers and Millennials are talking more about the need for action on climate change; among social media users, they are seeing more climate change content online; and they are doing more to get involved with the issue through activities such as volunteering and attending rallies and protests.” Because of social media, more and more young adults are aware of these issues, and a notable teen activist involved with climate movements is Greta Thunberg. 

Thunburg, a youthful advocate for environmental causes, was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2003. From a young age, she immersed herself in the study of pressing environmental concerns. At the age of merely 15, she boldly addressed large audiences, passionately advocating for a shift towards sustainable living. Thunburg has also sought to engage with the Swedish government to instigate substantive change, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in governance. Her influence has resonated with many and remains steadfast as she dedicates her life to the mission of environmental conservation.

Kathy Seeley, the judge on the lawsuit Photo credit: @stevendonzinger via Instagram.

In the Montana lawsuit, the youths argued that Montana was “violating its constitution by promoting fossil fuel development without considering the impact on climate change.” Article II, Section 3 of the Montana state constitution states, “Each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations.” A Montana State judge for the case, Kathy Seeley, ruled that Montana as a state was causing harm to future generations, which contradicts their Constitution. The plaintiffs stated that, “state agencies permit the extraction of Montana’s vast coal reserves, as well as the extraction of oil and gas, and lease state lands for fossil fuel activities.” One goal of the lawsuit was to change policies towards addressing climate change and will hopefully improve air quality national.

The lawsuit held significant importance in the enduring and ongoing struggle for global change on critical issues. By prompting the government to recognize the escalating concern of climate change, it has bolstered prospects for more substantial changes in the future. Liz Kimbrough of the climate website Mongabay writes, “This victory marks the first time in U.S. history that a court has declared that government actions promoting fossil fuels endanger the well-being of young people.” These young activists have said, “I’m so speechless right now… I’m really just excited and elated and thrilled. I cannot believe the ruling. I’m just so relieved.” They might not have achieved what others couldn’t without their determination and commitment. The activists voiced their concerns and called for change, even though their decisions were not universally considered correct. In an article written for The Hill, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s office said ‘it would appeal to what it called an ‘absurd’ ruling.” Even though he stated that “Montanans can’t be blamed for changing the climate” and the “state has no impact on the global climate,” the lawsuit represents a positive step in addressing climate change.