Climate change pertains to long-term alterations in weather patterns and temperatures. These shifts may occur naturally, stemming from variations in the sun’s activity or significant volcanic eruptions [7,8,15,65]. However, since the 1800s, human activities have become the predominant drivers of climate change, chiefly because of the combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. The burning of these fossil fuels produces greenhouse gas emissions, which function like a blanket enveloping the Earth, trapping heat from the sun and leading to a rise in temperatures [7,8,15,25]. The primary greenhouse gases responsible for driving climate change are carbon dioxide and methane. The sectors that are key to greenhouse gas emissions include energy, buildings, transportation, agriculture, land use, and industry [10,11]. People are encountering the effects of climate change in a multitude of ways, impacting various life aspects, including health, food production, housing, safety, and employment. Certain populations, such as those residing in small island developing States, are already more susceptible to the repercussions of climate change [4,5]. Conditions such as rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion have progressed to the extent that entire communities have been compelled to relocate. In the years to come, it is anticipated that the number of climate refugees will be on the increase [4,5,66]. Therefore, every increment of global warming holds significant importance.

In a 2018 report, a consensus among thousands of scientists and government reviewers concluded that constraining global temperature increases to a maximum of 1.5° centigrade would serve as a crucial measure in averting the most severe climate-related consequences, and in preserving a habitable climate [7,8]. However, if carbon dioxide emissions continue their current trajectory, global temperatures could potentially rise by up to 4.4 °C by the close of this century. Emissions responsible for climate change originate from all regions across the globe and impact people worldwide. However, certain nations contribute significantly more than others. In fact, the 100 countries with the lowest emissions collectively account for just three percent of the total emissions [5], while the 10 largest emitters are responsible for 68 percent of emissions. While climate action is a shared responsibility, those individuals and nations contributing more significantly to the problem bear a greater responsibility to take the lead in addressing it.

Climate change presents a formidable challenge, but, on the bright side, numerous solutions that can yield economic advantages, enhance quality of life, and safeguard the environment have already been identified [25,67,68,69,70,71,72]. There are also international agreements in place to steer our collective efforts, including the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) [4,5]. Three overarching categories of action include adapting to climate impacts, reducing emissions, and financing required adjustments. Transitioning from fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewables, such as solar power, will mitigate the emissions contributing to climate change. The urgency of beginning these actions cannot be overstated [4,5]. While an increasing number of countries are pledging to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, it is essential to recognize that approximately half of the necessary emissions reductions must be achieved by 2030 to limit global warming to under 1.5 °C [7,8]. Achieving this goal entails an approximate six percent annual reduction in fossil fuel production from 2020 to 2030 [7,8]. Adaptation efforts will be necessary worldwide, but there is an immediate need to prioritize those who are most vulnerable and have the fewest resources to address climate-related risks [5]. The potential return on investment can be substantial. For example, the implementation of early warning systems for disasters not only saves lives and property but can also yield benefits up to 10 times the initial cost [4,5]. The choice is to invest in proactive measures now or face significantly higher costs in the future. Addressing climate change necessitates substantial financial commitments from both governments and businesses. However, the costs of climate inaction far outweigh these investments. A crucial measure is for industrialized nations to honor their commitment to provide $100 billion annually to developing countries, enabling them to adapt and transition towards more sustainable economies [7,8,9,11,12].

Over the past few years, there has been a substantial increase in climate litigation on a global scale, encompassing a broader array of legal theories and spanning diverse geographical regions [6,64]. This surging wave of climate-related lawsuits is instigating essential transformations. Climate litigation is pressuring corporate entities and governments to adopt high-reaching goals for both mitigating and adapting to climate change. An emerging and noteworthy trend involves cases that prioritize fundamental human rights related to a stable climate. Additionally, there is an increasing number of cases on the right to a healthy environment, a right enshrined in the constitutions of more than 100 countries. These cases are compelling enhanced climate-related disclosures and putting an end to deceptive corporate greenwashing on climate change. Citizens are demanding accountability from their governments, striving to prevent further extraction of fossil fuels and contesting the lack of enforcement of climate-related laws and policies [4].

As part of this wave, more citizens and organizations around the world are going to court to seek a fair judgment in climate change law cases, and the number of cases brought against climate change inaction has increased dramatically [2]. For instance, while the Clean Air Act (CAA) empowers the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate emissions of both carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, non-governmental organizations have resorted to legal action to compel the EPA to fulfill its obligations in safeguarding public health from air pollution. Additionally, they have initiated legal actions against entities believed to be breaching relevant emission standards or permit regulations. The British Institute of International and Comparative Law research project examines climate litigation globally and produces a toolbox for implementing climate law. This shows that there are at least 2000 climate change litigation cases filed globally since November 2022 [73].

Climate change litigation offers civil society, individuals, and various stakeholders a potential avenue to confront insufficient responses from the private sector and governments in dealing with the climate crisis. In climate-related cases, individuals or parties referred to as plaintiffs employ diverse legal tactics across various national and international jurisdictions. Their primary aim is typically to compel the public and private sectors to adopt more ambitious goals for both mitigation and adaptation. Nonetheless, there are instances where plaintiffs may also aim to contest climate laws and lower climate objectives. In its Sixth Assessment Report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledged that climate litigation has, for the first time, impacted the results and level of ambition within climate governance [7,8,66]. The IPCC has also recognized climate litigation as a significant channel through which stakeholders can influence climate policy beyond the formal UNFCCC processes [7,8,66]. Furthermore, winning cases pursued by plaintiffs have inspired the initiation of analogous claims in different legal jurisdictions. As an example, the ruling in the Urgenda Foundation v. State of the Netherlands case, where a court held a government accountable for greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, has catalyzed a series of ambition-driven cases in other countries. Many of these cases explicitly reference the Urgenda decision even though it lacks legal authority beyond the Netherlands [74]. In a separate instance, a cohort of young individuals in Montana achieved a groundbreaking legal victory when a judge ruled that it was unconstitutional for the state to approve fossil fuel projects without considering climate change [59].

The scope of climate litigation will continue to broaden as research on climate science expands, and new legal theories get explored nationally and internationally. [5]. Each passing year sees climate change litigation assume a progressively vital role, either driving forward or hindering substantial action on climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in 2022, acknowledged that litigation has an impact on shaping the outcome and the level of ambition in climate governance [7,8,75]. The Global Climate Litigation Report: 2023 Status Review reveals that by December 2022, a total of 2180 climate-related cases had been submitted across 65 jurisdictions. These encompassed tribunals, international/regional courts, quasi-judicial bodies, and other adjudicatory entities, including Special Procedures at the United Nations and arbitration tribunals [5]. This marks a consistent rise in case numbers from 884 to 1550 between the years 2017 and 2020. Notably, local communities, women’s groups, children and youth, and Indigenous Peoples are assuming a significant role in initiating these cases and spearheading reforms in the governance of climate change worldwide [5]. In 2019, the body of climate litigation literature saw considerable expansion, with notable attention directed toward new landmark judgments, emerging legal pathways, diverse actors involved, shifting litigation objectives, and an extended range of jurisdictions [63]. A recent comprehensive review systematically examines significant literature on climate litigation released from 2000 to 2018 [76].