Italian Appeals Court to Decide Landmark Climate Rights Case Against the State

In June 2021, the environmental coalition A Sud and more than 200 associations and individuals launched the "Giudizio Universale" case, asserting that Italy has violated fundamental rights by not achieving the emissions reductions required under the 2015 Paris agreement. Climatologist Luca Mercalli, a claimant, said the trial seeks to inform society about climate risks. A Rome civil court rejected the suit in 2024, ruling that it lacked jurisdiction over governmental climate decisions, a ruling described by A Sud lawyer Luca Saltalamacchia as unprecedented in Europe.

The plaintiffs have appealed, submitting fresh scientific evidence on excess heat deaths, desertification and flood forecasts, and referencing a 2024 European Court of Human Rights decision that ties climate protection to human rights. The Rome appeals court is slated to rule later this month, and the claimants hope the judges will not only assess the merits but also compel the state to improve its climate policies in line with the Paris accord and Italy's 2022 constitutional amendment. Legal scholars note that such "government framework" cases are increasing worldwide and often result in outcomes that advance climate action.