Montana’s landmark climate ruling: three key takeaways

Youth plaintiffs in the climate change lawsuit at the Lewis and Clark county courthouse in Helena, Montana, in June. Photograph: Thom Bridge/AP

In a groundbreaking legal decision, a Montana judge last week ruled in favor of young people who had accused state officials of violating their constitutional rights by promoting fossil fuels.

In a 103-page court order, Judge Kathy Seeley of the first judicial district court, affirmed the plaintiffs’ claim that a stable climate is included in a right to a “clean and healthful environment”, guaranteed in the state’s constitution.