Research clearly establishes that heat waves threaten the health and well-being of older adults. When heat waves occur, older adults are more likely to be admitted to the hospital. And the majority of people who die during heat waves over the past decade are age 65 or older.
A group of older women from Switzerland have taken legal action in an effort to protect themselves from heat waves.
The group, known as KlimaSeniorinnen (translated as Senior Women for Climate Protection) began filing legal claims in 2016 alleging Switzerland was violating the human rights of older women by not taking strong action to address climate change, leaving older adults vulnerable to health emergencies. When Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court dismissed their case in 2020, they appealed to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
In April, that court ruled in favor of the older women – the first victory related to climate change in the European Court of Human Rights. The court wrote that Switzerland “failed to comply with its duties under the Convention concerning climate change" and that it had violated the right to respect for private and family life.
Legal scholars say this case is important because it may pave the way for more climate-related litigation moving forward.
Across the globe, governments have adopted the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty that includes pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But scientists say that progress has been too slow and the world is not on track to meet the crucial target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 C by the year 2100. Scientists believe that exceeding 1.5 degrees could lead to significantly more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, coral reef destruction, and loss of biodiversity compared to staying below that target.
While the decision was good news for climate activism, it’s unclear what it’s actual impact will be. In June, the Swiss Parliament voted disregard the judgement, arguing the European Court had overstepped. But their declaration is not legally binding. Nevertheless, because Switzerland has ratified the European convention on human rights, the court’s judgment is legally binding.
Whatever the end result, the case has shed light on the risks of climate change for older adult, and highlighted the importance of getting involved, ACCC Director Karl Pillemer said.
"This case is a great example of how older adults can take action and truly make a difference when it comes to affecting climate policy and ultimately addressing global warming," he said. “I hope it inspires others to get involved in working to slow climate change.”