Torres Strait community leaders in ‘deepest pain imaginable’ as federal court dismisses landmark climate case

The lead plaintiffs, Torres Strait community leaders Uncle Paul Kabai (left) and Uncle Pabai Pabai from the islands of Boigu and Saibai, sought orders requiring the government to take steps to prevent climate harm to their communities. Photograph: Brian Cassey/EPA

Two Torres Strait community leaders are shocked and devastated after the federal court dismissed a landmark case that argued the Australian government breached its duty of care to protect the Torres Strait Islands from climate change.

The lead plaintiffs, Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai from the islands of Boigu and Saibai, sought orders requiring the government to take steps to prevent climate harm to their communities, including by cutting greenhouse gas emissions at the pace climate scientists say is necessary.