Today, at 18.14 people all over the world are invited to show their solidarity with the Norwegian climate lawsuit. We light a candle at 18.14 to symbolise the Norwegian Constitution that was written in 1814. We believe that Norway is breaking article 112 in the Constitution that states;
‘Every person has the right to an environment that is conducive to health and to a natural environment whose productivity and diversity are maintained. Natural resources shall be managed on the basis of comprehensive long-term considerations which will safeguard this right for future generations as well. The authorities of the state shall take measures for the implementation of these principles’.
Norway has opened up for oil drilling in the Arctic. The burning of this oil will cause more climate change that WILL NOT help future and living generations to a safe and sustainable climate. If you agree, you are hereby invited to show your solidarity. Light a candle at home, use the #klimasøksmål and #peoplevsarcticoil and follow the lawsuit in Supreme Court from tomorrow via Klimasøksmål Arktis Facebook.
What is happening in the Norwegian Climate Court Case?
On the 4th of January, we got a verdict in the court case against the Norwegian state for unconstitutional oil drilling in the Arctic Barents Sea.
Oslo District Court found that the Norwegian government was not responsible for breaching the Constitution. However, the Court found that the right to a healthy environment is protected by the Constitution and the Government must uphold these rights. That is a major victory in itself.
But it doesn't end here. The Norwegian justice system goes higher than The District Courts. The next instance is The Court of Appeal, and at the top we find The Supreme Court.
Tomorrow, the deadline for the appeal expires. Then, a decision will be made whether this should be taken higher in the Norwegian justice system. This will be announced during a press conference on Monday the 5th of February. This will be live streamed at Klimasøksmål Arktis facebook page at 11.00.
Court processes are very expensive, and it is still possible to contribute until tomorrow on this page.
As always, thank you for reading and caring about the environment. As David Attenborough says: ‘The Arctic is closer to our homes than we think.’