Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ A group of Swiss women of somewhat respectable age have turned to the European Court of human rights to sue the Swiss government for insufficient action on climate change. They call themselves the climate seniors. “The expectations are really high,” says Switzerland correspondent Renske Heddema in Bureau Buitenland. Swiss Seniors drag their own government to court for failing climate policy. Grandmother’s revolution “It is a group that was formed in 2015, at the time they were still called the GrossmütterRevolution,” says Heddema. The accusation of the women, who are supported by Greenpeace, is based on the fact that their human rights are affected because the government does not do enough to combat climate change. According to the correspondent, it is a unique case, and older women are specifically affected by climate change: “it is in percentage terms that older people suffer more from the heat anyway. But, apparently, older women suffer from it even more than older men,” the correspondent tells. Poor climate policy According to Heddema, at first glance, Switzerland seems to be doing a lot about climate change, but that picture is distorted. According to her, a lot is being done at the local level. “The city of Zurich, has had the goal of the ‘2000 watt Society’for twenty years. That each individual should not use more than 2000 watts per day,” she says. “But on the other hand, a CO2 law has just failed to pass nationwide, and you also see very few solar panels on the roofs in Switzerland.” Precedents The case can have major consequences. If the ECtHR agrees with women, this could set a precedent for other climate-related issues, Heddema argues. “It’s a very big deal. And, of course, it remains to be seen, but if they are equalized, it will have enormous international effects.”The court will take almost a year to reach a verdict, but in the meantime the women and their sympathizers will continue to call attention to their case. About the author: Damien KarlströmThe editor-in-chief worked for many years as a literary editor in Bern's leading publications. Over time, I decided to become the editor-in-chief. The main direction of materials is international relations and society.
