UU’s can show their support for the youth in this historic lawsuit by gathering at Federal Buildings throughout the U.S. for vigils on October 29th. Find out what is happening in your area by visiting the Youth v. Gov website.

The Juliana vs. U.S. trial – commonly referred to as Youth v Gov – will start as planned in Oct. despite repeated attempts by the US Federal government to stop the process. After three years of attempts by the government to delay and dismiss the trial, the US Supreme Court unanimously ruled on July 30, 2018, that the 21 youth plaintiffs deserved their day in court for their constitutional climate lawsuit, and preserved the scheduled trial start date of October 29th.

The Juliana v. U.S lawsuit argues that government policies that have created climate change are a violation of the young people’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property and that they threaten future generations’ rights as well. The lawsuit calls on the federal government to devise a plan to phase out carbon emissions and stabilize the Earth’s climate that is based on the best available science and principles of social justice.

“Equity between generations is a key issue with climate change,” said Ross Macfarlane, Senior Advisor with Climate Solutions, a Northwest-based clean economy organization which has also participated in these lawsuits. “Those who benefit most from the carbon pollution won’t be around to feel the worst impacts. These actions attempt to redress that balance, and allow future generations a voice in the legal system.” (Forbes, August 3, 2018)

The youngest plaintiff in the lawsuit is 11-year-old Levi Draheim (UUMFE Guardian of the Future) from the UU Church of Brevard in West Melbourne, Florida.