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) |