Swiss seniors Win landmark Climate Case: A Global Wake-Up Call
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In a significant victory for climate activists and vulnerable populations, a group of Swiss senior women secured a landmark ruling against their government for insufficient action on climate change. The April 9, 2024, decision by the European court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, while not fully recognized by Switzerland, shines a spotlight on the disproportionate impact of climate change on older adults and the urgent need for stronger global action.
Leading the charge is Norma Bargetzi-Horisberger, a vibrant and resolute woman who, despite being repeatedly urged to retire, remains actively involved in the “Anzianes pour le climat” (Senior Women for Climate) movement.Speaking from her lakeside home in Switzerland, Bargetzi-Horisberger shared her perspective on the ongoing struggle. ”However, Switzerland does not recognize this decision,” she stated via video call.
The “Anzianes pour le climat,” self-described as ”heat wave experts,” strategically framed their case around the vulnerability of older adults to the escalating effects of climate change. Bargetzi-Horisberger explained,”To take legal action against a state,you must be part of a vulnerable group. By investigating, we discovered that during the particularly hot summer of 2023, older women were seriously affected by heat-related deaths.” Initially numbering 150, the group now boasts 2,500 members and 1,500 supporters of all ages, backed by organizations like Greenpeace.
Their legal battle began with a complaint against the relevant Swiss federal department, progressing through administrative and federal courts without success. This led to their appeal to the European Court. Bargetzi-Horisberger highlighted the core issue: “The federal government claims to be in compliance, but this is false: Switzerland has not yet established its carbon budget, that is to say the quantity of CO2 that it can still emit if it wishes to maintain global warming below certain thresholds. Furthermore,as a major financial power,it does not force banks to take into account the environmental impacts of the billionaire projects thay finance,which are likely to have disastrous consequences.”
Bargetzi-Horisberger, the group manager for Italian-speaking switzerland, brings a wealth of experience in social work, therapy, and family life to her activism. ”I have always been sensitive to sustainability, then five years ago, I joined the ‘Anzianes pour le climat’ committee,” she shared. ”We raise awareness in our communities, intervene in parishes and schools, and organize green days and also workshops. At the time, only young people were heard; all obligation for climate change lay with them. Now we are also here. With those who could be our grandchildren, there is a beautiful synergy, we work together on various projects.” She poignantly contrasted the perspectives: “For young people,climate is a question of the future; for seniors,it is both a question of the present and the past. ‘As a child, I visited glaciers, big and small. Today, the small ones have disappeared and the big ones are shrinking,’” she explained.
Bargetzi-HorisbergerS personal commitment reflects a deep-seated respect for the environment, instilled by her grandparents. “My grandparents taught me love and respect for everything that lives and grows, accustomed me to a sober lifestyle. For example, I haven’t flown in ten years. I prefer the train or the boats, and I take the time to contemplate…” she said, adding with a chuckle, “After all, I can afford it: we are retired, we have time.” Despite facing mockery and accusations of being eccentric,the group remains resolute. “Yes, there is a bit of misogyny and ageism towards us,” Bargetzi-Horisberger acknowledged. “We asked ourselves whether we should respond to these attacks. Personally, I chose to let the little barbs pass and to intervene only in the most serious cases.”
The Swiss seniors’ victory resonates deeply with the growing global movement demanding stronger climate action. The case underscores the urgent need for governments worldwide to address climate change effectively and protect vulnerable populations from its devastating consequences, mirroring similar concerns and legal challenges emerging in the United States.
Swiss Seniors Secure Landmark Climate Victory: A Wake-Up Call for Global Action
In a landmark ruling with global implications, a group of Swiss senior women have won a case against their government for insufficient climate action. This victory, secured at the European Court of Human Rights, highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on older adults and underscores the urgent need for stronger global measures to address the crisis.
A david-and-Goliath Legal Battle
Senior Editor: Dr. anya Ivanova,thank you so much for joining us today. This case is truly remarkable. Can you shed some light on the legal journey these Swiss seniors undertook?
Dr. Anya ivanova: Absolutely.This case, spearheaded by the “Anzianes pour le climat,” or Senior Women for Climate, is a testament to the power of grassroots activism. These women, manny of whom are in their 70s and 80s, realized they were particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, specifically extreme heat waves. They strategically framed their case around this vulnerability, arguing that the Swiss government’s inaction on climate change violated their human rights.
The Role of Vulnerability
Senior Editor: How did they establish this link between their age and vulnerability to climate change?
Dr.Anya Ivanova: They presented compelling evidence demonstrating a important increase in heat-related deaths among older adults during the particularly scorching summer of 2023. This, coupled with scientific research showing the heightened susceptibility of older individuals to extreme heat, formed the cornerstone of their argument.
A Global Ripple Effect
Senior Editor: What are the wider implications of this ruling beyond Switzerland?
Dr. anya Ivanova: : this victory sends a powerful message to governments worldwide. It establishes a crucial precedent for holding states accountable for their climate inaction, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable populations. While Switzerland itself doesn’t fully recognize the decision, it sets a powerful example and paves the way for similar cases to be brought forward in other countries.
A Call for Urgent Action
Senior Editor: **
Dr. Ivanova, thank you for your expertise and insight. It truly seems clear that this victory is not just a win for these valiant Swiss seniors, but a wake-up call for global action on climate change, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the most vulnerable among us.
