Youth plaintiff Lander prepares to testify in court (Photo by Renata Harrison, Courtesy of Western Environmental Law Center)
Highlights from Friday, June 16th:
In an unexpected development, during the mid-morning recess, an attorney for the plaintiffs Phil Gregory shared with Judge Seeley that defense expert and climate scientist Judith Curry was canceling her appearance, and that the plaintiff expert testimony that rebutted Dr. Curry’s reports would be withdrawn.
The first witness of the day was Mark Jacobson, Director of the Atmosphere/Energy program at Stanford University. Mr. Jacobson described the technological and economical feasibility to transition Montana off of fossil fuels by 2050 and supply its energy needs via water, wind, and solar (WWS). The primary barrier, he stated, was the lack of government direction to move energy policy towards WWS, as well as current government policies that continue to favor a fossil fuel-based energy system.
The next witness was plaintiff Olivia V., who shared some of her artwork incorporating climate change as a major theme, including a piece called “Gaia” about the despair climate change makes her feel. She also described what it was like experiencing asthma and severe allergies during the smoky summer months when she often doesn’t go outside due to debilitating symptoms like swelling and redness. “The state of Montana has an obligation to uphold our right to a clean and healthful environment,” she said. “I know they have the power to do this. I know it.”
Youth plaintiff Olivia displays her art during testimony (Photo by Renata Harrison, Courtesy of Western Environmental Law Center)
Following Olivia, Dr. Lise Van Susteren, a psychiatrist and expert on how the climate crisis affects the physical and mental health of youth, took the stand. She described how children are more susceptible to the impacts of climate change due to unique characteristics like their dependency on adults, their brains and bodies still not being fully developed, and an increased exposure and cumulative toll of trauma. “The kids have told you this week very compellingly how their world is different,” she said. “They are very aware of something called intergenerational injustices. Their world is spinning out of their control and they have first-hand experience.”
The last witness of the day was plaintiff Lander. He recounted some of earliest memories of going hunting and fishing with his father in the Montana wilderness, a family tradition for generations. “It just really cemented for me what I know as home and what I love and value so much,” he said. Lander then discussed how wildfires and smoke affect his family. “All of this, particularly the smoke, is just a really weird post-apocalyptic experience for me,” he said. “My family spends so much of our time outside, and it ends up taking a pretty big toll on our happiness and comfort.”
Trial Continues Next Week - Join Us!
Trial convenes again on Monday when the state will begin to call its first witnesses. Go to bit.ly/MTClimateTrialto learn how you can attend or watch this second week of trial!
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