Youth plaintiffs are cheered on by supporters as they arrive for their second day of trial (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Highlights from Tuesday, June 13th:
The morning kicked off with Judge Seeley hearing testimony from Dr. Cathy Whitlock, an earth scientist and professor at Montana State University, who is an expert in environmental change and paleoclimatology and was a lead author of the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment. "Montana has warmed more over the last century than other states,” she stated. “It is because of our high elevations, which tend to warm faster. We do not have the moderating effects of coastal states."
Next up was plaintiff Mica K., who spoke of his love for outdoor activities, especially running. He was recently diagnosed with asthma and is especially vulnerable to wildfire smoke. “I hope people try to make a difference and I hope the state of Montana can change its ways on fossil fuels,” he said.
Following Mica was another expert, Dr. Dan Fagre, a 30-year employee of the Department of Interior. Dr. Fagre spoke about Glacier National Park, and the melting of glaciers in the park due to climate change. He explained that Montana’s glaciers have existed for 7,000 years, yet many would be gone within the plaintiffs’ lifetimes.
When Dr. Fagre’s testimony concluded, plaintiff Badge B. took the stand. Badge shared his love for Montana’s beauty and how he enjoys rafting, hunting, fishing, and hiking. He described wildfires threatening his family’s home, and how wildfire smoke means not being able to go outside. He called dealing with climate change “a now or never situation.”
Closing out the day was Dr. Lori Byron, a Montana pediatrician, who discussed the impacts of climate change on the physical health of children. Dr. Byron explained that children are more vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change, describing how the health of the youth plaintiffs is already being harmed in Montana.
One of the attorneys for the youth plaintiffs, Phil Gregory, poses questions for Dr. Cathy Whitlock (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Here’s what we anticipate for Wednesday, June 14th:
The court will conclude testimony from Dr. Byron, then hear from Shane Doyle and Michael Durglo, and youth plaintiffs Sariel and Taleah.
Mica testifies in court while Judge Seeley listens (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Double Your Impact To inspire a gift to Our Children’s Trust during our exciting trial, one of our long-time friends, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, has made a $100,000 challenge to encourage new supporters to make their first gift, and for current donors to increase their giving. The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund will match gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000!
Find More About Trial on Our Website! Go to bit.ly/MTClimateTrial for more photos and videos from trial this week, as well as a link to watch trial LIVE online tomorrow!
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