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VZW Klimaatzaak v. Kingdom of Belgium & Others

Filing Date: 2014
Status: Pending
Case Categories:
  • Suits against governments
    • GHG emissions reduction and trading
      • Other
  • Suits against governments
    • Human Rights
Jurisdictions:
  • Belgium
    • Brussels
      • Court of First Instance
Principal Laws:
  • International Human Rights Law
Summary:

Similar to the Urgenda case in the Netherlands, the Klimaatzaak -- "climate case" -- was brought by an organization of concerned citizens arguing that Belgian law requires the Belgian government's approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to be more aggressive. Specifically, they call for reductions of 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 87.5% below 1990 levels by 2050.

From February 2019 through March 2020, the parties submitted their main conclusions and final conclusions. In their main conclusions, the plaintiffs demanded that the government reduce emissions 42 to 48% in 2025 and at least 55 to 65% in 2030. Oral hearings are set for March 2021.

At Issue: Compel federal and regional governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Case Documents:
Filing Date Type File Summary
12/01/2014 Summons Download In French
12/01/2014 Summons Download In Dutch
02/01/2019 Not Available Download Main Conclusions of the Brussels-Capital Regional Government (in French)
02/01/2019 Not Available Download Main Conclusions of the Walloon Regional Government (in French)
06/28/2019 Not Available Download Main Conclusions of the plaintiffs (in French)

© 2021 · Sabin Center for Climate Change Law · U.S. Litigation Chart made in collaboration with Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

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