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Washington youth plaintiff, Aji P. Photo by Alex Garland.
"Why isn't that affecting my life and my liberty?"

Dear friends,

Today, in a courtroom closed to the public due to COVID-19, I presented oral arguments on behalf of our 13 youth plaintiffs in Aji P. v. State of Washington ([link removed]) . Three judges in the Washington State Court of Appeals heard my argument that these brave young people—all of whom have been directly harmed by climate change and the actions of their government, many of them currently struggling with the devastating impacts of this month’s historic wildfires—deserve their day in court.

My colleagues at Our Children’s Trust—many of whom were watching the oral arguments live online—share my optimism that our youth will finally have the courthouse doors opened to them and their constitutional claims heard and decided. The judges listened attentively as I argued the foundation of our youth plaintiffs’ case: that these young people have a constitutional right to a stable climate and that their case is appropriate for judicial review. The judges also peppered the attorney for the State with comments and questions. During one particularly powerful moment, Judge Mann stated, “For the last seven days I can’t go outside. If I go outside, I’m threatening my life. I have asthma so I have to stay inside with the windows shut. I don’t have an air conditioner. Why isn’t that affecting my life and my liberty?”
You can watch the 20-minute oral arguments here ([link removed]) .

This year has seen historic climate devastation from coast to coast, from the fires ravaging the West to a record-breaking hurricane season in the Southeast. These types of natural disasters will only get worse—become more frequent, more devastating, and cause more loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods—as our planet continues to heat exponentially. We need our courts to act now to protect the rights of our youngest generation to a stable climate, including the ability to breathe, to stay safe, and to thrive. Yet, in spite of Washington State’s expressed desire to address climate change, greenhouse gas emissions in Washington continue to rise.

We need the courts to protect the rights of our children now. Today.

As the Washington Court of Appeals considers the arguments I presented today in Aji P., youth plaintiffs represented by me, my colleagues at Our Children’s Trust, and fellow attorneys across the country also await rulings on cases in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Alaska and Oregon Supreme Courts. Simultaneously, our attorneys are representing and supporting youth-led climate cases advancing in several other state and global courts. We provide legal representation to these young people and their families at no cost to them. And we couldn’t do it without your support. With so many of us experiencing the ravages of the climate crisis each day, our work is more important than ever. Please make a donation today ([link removed]) to help us secure the critical legal right to a safe climate system for all youth and future generations.

Take care, stay safe, and thank you for your support,

Andrea Rodgers
Senior Litigation Attorney

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