In a landmark ruling, the High Court has found that the government’s climate strategy is unlawful.

Dear John

I’m thrilled to share some brilliant news with you today.

You may know that this year we took the UK government to court over its flawed climate policy – the Net Zero Strategy.

And yesterday evening the High Court announced its judgment. We won.

In a landmark ruling, the judge found that the government acted unlawfully on 2 grounds. The strategy doesn’t show how it’ll meet the UK’s obligations under the Climate Change Act, which undermined public transparency and accountability. And it was wrongfully approved in the first place by the Secretary of State, who didn’t have this essential information when signing it off.

In court, it was revealed that the Net Zero Strategy would not reduce greenhouse gas emissions enough to meet the UK’s legally binding climate targets. The government had done the calculations and knew about this shortfall. But it held back this crucial information from both the public and parliament.

With the UK going through a “national emergency” level heatwave, the effects of climate breakdown and the need for urgent meaningful government intervention are only becoming more evident. So this really is a truly historic win, achieved alongside ClientEarth and Good Law Project.

Huge thanks to those of you who chipped in with donations to support our campaign. I’m proud to have been part of this case – and you should be too. You’re part of the movement that powered it.

Now the Net Zero Strategy has been found unlawful, the government’s got to revise its plans to include essential details explaining how it will meet the UK’s targets. With sound policies that stand up to the scrutiny of independent climate experts.

The court ordered that the government must publish a new strategy by 31 March 2023 at the latest. We'll all benefit from a refreshed strategy that does what it’s supposed to and delivers emissions reductions, and a more climate-friendly economy.

Thanks to your support we launched this legal case, brought the government’s failures and lack of transparency to light in court – and ultimately, secured a win for both people and planet. Now that’s a testament to what we can achieve together.

It’s a moment to celebrate, but there’s still more to do. With Westminster in chaos and a health-threatening heatwave putting people across the country at risk, we must push for urgent climate action from our leaders. And with your help, our legal team and campaigners can continue their work holding the UK government to account.

So if you can, would you consider joining us as a member by starting a regular donation?
I'LL BECOME A MEMBER ([link removed])
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done so far.

All the best,

Katie de Kauwe
Lawyer

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