A youth lawsuit was filed against the United states government, which calls for stronger action against climate change. Two large Catholic organizations have stated their support and are backing the lawsuit.
Climate Home reports that the two organizations backing the lawsuit consists of Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) and the Leadership Council of Women Religious. Citing an encyclical issued by Pope Francis last year on environmental protection titled 'Laudato Si' ('Praise be to you'), they filed a document siding with 21 young plaintiffs.
According to the official Our Children's Trust website, the brief submitted by 21 youth plaintiffs argue that they have brought valid claims under the U.S. Constitution and the federal Public Trust Doctrine, and have a standing to bring their case on. Climate scientist James Hansen is also named in the suit as a representative of future generations, and advises in that current level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is already past the "safe" level. He reportedly mentions that the "safe" levels of carbon dioxide are 350 parts per million, but fossil fuel burning has already pushed CO2 above 400ppm.
In a press release published by Our Children's Trust, the brief filed by the two organizations had filed their brief promptly after the federal District Court in Oregon had given defendant status to the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the American Petroleum Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers. They state that they consider the youth's legal claims to be rooted in U.S. traditions and Roman Catholic beliefs.
Furthermore, Bill Moyers reports that despite President Barack Obama's support for the climate agenda, the three oil lines, whose members include ExxonMobil, Koch Industries and BHP Billiton, will be backing Obama against the lawsuit. The three industry bodies state their reason for doing so as the case being a "direct, substantial threat to [their] businesses".
The two Catholic groups will not be participating in the trial, though their support has garnered attention internationally. Members of the two groups include Pope Francis I, who provided the GCCM with inspiration in the form of last year's encyclical "Laudato Si".
