Teen activists face US government in crucial hearing over climate trial

The suit accuses the federal government of violating young people's constitutional rights by contributing to the climate crisis

Twenty-one youth activists faced off with the US government in an Oregon courthouse on Tuesday, where their attorneys petitioned a panel of judges to let their climate case go to trial. Until it does, their attorneys argued, fossil fuel development should be halted on public lands.

The case of Juliana v the US charges the federal government with violating the constitutional rights of youth by perpetuating systems that contribute to climate breakdown. Those young people - who range in age from 11 to 23 and hail from all corners of the nation - argue that the constitution gives them and future generations a right to an environment free of climate catastrophe.