The decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to condemn Switzerland for its inaction on climate action is a “very important step forward”, sending a warning signal to developed countries that they must raise their targets to combat climate change, estimates Amnesty International. Spokesman for Greenpeace Canada.
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“It will also have an impact on all member countries of this European Convention on Human Rights,” Patrick Bonin, head of the climate and energy campaign at Greenpeace Canada, said in an interview with LCN.
According to him, this decision should send a message to other governments, including the governments of Quebec and Canada, which have similar goals to Switzerland. “The court says that for a developed country or developed country like Switzerland — or like Quebec and Canada — this is largely insufficient,” he said.
The official also highlighted the approach of the group of elderly people who began their appeal before the International Court nine years ago.
“They are the people who are most likely to die, to end up in hospital, or to suffer from health problems, and therefore Switzerland must protect the lives of these people. Therefore, it is a human right to life,” stressed Mr. Bonin, recalling the binding content. The decision of the European Court of Human Rights because it forces Switzerland to raise its climate targets.
