Youth plaintiffs greet local supporters (and a friendly dog) on the way into court for their third day of trial (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Highlights from Wednesday, June 14th:
The day began by concluding the prior day’s testimony with Montana pediatrician Dr. Lori Byron, who discussed climate change-induced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how they can cause long-term health problems such as exposure to substance abuse, physical/mental/sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, etc. These elements, which can create fear and anxiety in childhood, often result in health problems in adulthood. “Wildfires, for example, instill fear that you will have to leave your home, as well as the smoke that creates a pall over your life and makes one unable to do the things you enjoy,” Dr. Byron said.
Next up was Shane Doyle, testifying on behalf of his daughters (and youth plaintiffs) Ruby and Lilian. Mr. Doyle is an expert in Indigenous issues, an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe who holds a master’s degree in Native American studies from Montana State University. Mr. Doyle described the Crow Fair, an annual week-long gathering of the Crow Tribe which has occurred every August for over a century. It’s long been an important cultural event for Mr. Doyle and his daughters, but over the last several years the weather has become hotter and hotter, with temperatures reaching over 100ºF, as well as torrential downpours. He described how extreme weather has impeded Crow Fair, with events being canceled or abandoned due to heat.
Mr. Doyle was followed by Michael Durglo, Jr., head of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Tribal Historic Department. He provided additional testimony on the impact of the climate crisis on Indigenous communities. “As the climate has changed, the times for traditional practices have changed,” Mr. Durglo said. “There is a spiritual impact. All those non-human relatives that we rely on to feed us, to mend us as medicines - they all have a spiritual significance.”
Michael Durglo, Jr., Head of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Tribal Historic Department, provides his testimony (Photo by Robin Loznak)
The first plaintiff testimony of the day came from Sariel, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Sariel learned about the science behind climate change in high school, including how greenhouse gases are breaking down the ozone layer. Sariel experienced firsthand the effects of wildfire and wildfire smoke. "It is really scary seeing what you love disappear before your eyes,” she said. “This case is important."
After Sariel, the court heard from Dr. Jack Stanford, director of the Flathead Lake Biological Station. Dr. Stanford discussed the impacts of climate change on Montana’s freshwater ecosystems and the connectivity of climate, hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology in those ecosystems. When asked to comment on how climate change affects freshwater ecosystems: “It’s already happening, it’s a fact, not only for our plaintiffs, but for all of us.”
Plaintiff Taleah was next to provide testimony, noting that as she grew older, she noticed that wildfires and smoke have become much more pervasive. She was employed training and caring for horses, but due to smoky conditions, her work was limited, causing her loss of income.
Closing out the day was plaintiff Georgi, a competitive Nordic skier, who trains year-round. Wildfire smoke was so bad in the summer of 2021, Georgi was forced to train indoors. She recounted looking out the window and barely seeing the buildings across the street for all the smoke.
Youth plaintiff Taleah testifies in court (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Here’s what we anticipate for Thursday, June 15th:
On June 15, the court will hear testimony from Pete Erickson, Anne Hedges, and youth plaintiffs Kian T. and Claire V.
Julia Olson, Our Children’s Trust’s Chief Legal Counsel and one of the attorneys for the youth, speaks with plaintiffs Grace and Rikki in court (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Follow Trial Online! Visit bit.ly/MTClimateTrialto watch trial LIVE online! You’ll also find a daily schedule of local events in Helena as well as additional photos from each day in court.
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