A New Zealand climate activist, Mike Smith, a Maori elder, has applied for a judicial review of the government’s decision to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent courts from finding companies liable in tort for climate-change-related harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
Background
The proposed change would apply to current and future cases, including Smith’s lawsuit against six large emitters. Smith said in a statement the government acted unlawfully by deciding to interfere with live court proceedings without giving him a fair process.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith introduced the legislation in May, stating that the litigation was undermining business confidence and investment and that New Zealand’s response to climate change should be managed through parliament, its Emissions Trading Scheme, and existing climate legislation.
Smith’s existing case alleges the companies’ emissions have contributed to climate change and harmed his land, interests, and cultural rights. The Supreme Court reinstated the claim in 2024 and sent it back to the High Court for trial.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
