The trial, which began June 12 and will run through June 23 in Helena, Montana, is the first of a series of climate change lawsuits pending in other states. “The historic trial is intended to increase pressure on policymakers to take more urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” The New York Times said.

The lawsuit is called “Hold v. Montana.” The plaintiffs, 16 teenagers between the ages of 5 and 22, allege the dangerous impact of fossil fuels and the climate crisis on them—children who are vulnerable to the worsening effects of climate change.

The first plaintiff to be called on June 12 was 22-year-old Rikki Held, whose family owns a ranch in eastern Montana. She testified about how her family has been directly affected by wildfires, extreme weather and droughts that have become more frequent in Montana, known for its lush landscape. “I know climate change is a global issue, but Montana has a part to play in that,” Rikki said in court. “We can’t ignore this and do nothing.”

The environmental science graduate specifically mentioned the wildfires that destroyed high-voltage power lines and knocked out power to her family’s farm for a month, causing cattle to die because they couldn’t pump water. “By 2021, the smoke and ash from the fires had saturated the air all summer,” Rikki noted.

The first climate change lawsuit trial in Montana on June 12. Photo: nytimes.com

The lawsuit centers on a provision of the state constitution that states: “The State and its people shall maintain and improve upon the clean and healthy environment of Montana for present and future generations,” according to The New York Times. The plaintiffs also question the constitutionality of a Montana law that prohibits local governments from considering climate impacts when deciding whether to grant permits to fossil fuel companies. The plaintiffs are not seeking any damages in their lawsuit, but they are asking the state to issue a declaration that outlines the rights of the people who have been violated, which should be the first step toward legislative action.

Representing the plaintiffs, attorney Roger Sullivan spoke at the trial, highlighting the impact of global warming on Montana youth. “Heat, drought, wildfires, air pollution, severe storms, the disappearance of local wildlife, melting glaciers, loss of breadwinners and family and cultural traditions,” attorney Roger listed, adding that there were medical and psychological damages.

Additionally, the attorney argued that Montana has a disastrous energy policy that releases 166 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year, the equivalent of a country like Argentina, while Montana has only about a million people. Meanwhile, climatologist Steve Running also presented scientific evidence of human responsibility for global warming. For example, Montana is experiencing shorter winters that lengthen the wildfire season.

Montana had previously tried to dismiss the lawsuit, citing procedural errors. However, on June 6, the state's supreme court gave the green light for the trial to begin. The New York Times reported that there are dozens of lawsuits across the United States against fossil fuel companies for their environmental impact. Alice Hill, a former climate adviser under President Barack Obama and a member of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group, emphasized: "When it comes to climate action, American justice has never been more relevant."

PHUONG VU