Dutch environmental group Urgenda (an abbreviation of 'urgent agenda') has filed a class action lawsuit against the Dutch government, arguing that they are failing to protect Dutch citizens by not reducing carbon emissions enough. Despite the image one might have of miles of windmills and solar panels, the Netherlands relies heavily upon coal-fired power plants for energy. Urgenda wants that to change.
KUOW reports that Urgenda is hoping this approach proves effective, and will be utilized by other countries. Lawyers from Australia and Canada have been in touch with the environmental group, and members of the Columbia Law school are keeping a close eye on how this suit plays out in the Dutch courts.
