Over the past years, there has been a notable increase in climate litigation worldwide. While the focus has primarily been on cases from the Global North, attention to lawsuits from the Global South is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of climate litigation globally.
The Sabin Center released the Climate Litigation in the Global South: Mapping Report in July, shedding light on the status of climate litigation in this region. The report draws on data from the Sabin Center’s Global Climate Change Litigation databases, showcasing an increase in cases in recent years due to improved data collection and an uptick in filings over the past four years. It provides detailed insights into case numbers, statuses, trajectories, and legal decisions within each jurisdiction.
Despite representing 40.7% of covered jurisdictions, the Global South accounts for only 8.3% of documented cases in the database. Among key findings, the report highlights the growth of case filings in the Global South since 2015, with Brazil leading with 39% of cases, followed by Mexico, Indonesia, and Colombia.
The report further delves into climate litigation in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean, offering unique insights, trends, and analyses for each region. Through this comprehensive analysis, the report identifies key patterns, challenges, and opportunities in climate litigation across the Global South.
By addressing this critical gap in data, the report serves as a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and climate advocates aiming to understand the complex landscape of climate litigation in the Global South.
For the full report, visit the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law website.
This press release was originally published by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, an affiliate of the Columbia Climate School.
