Montana youth climate ruling could set precedent for future climate litigation

Rikki Held, 22, arrives for the United States' first youth climate-change trial at Montana's 1st Judicial District Court in Helena, Mont., on June 12. She was one of 16 young plaintiffs, ages 5 to 22, who sued the state for promoting fossil fuel energy policies that they say violate their constitutional right to a "clean and healthful environment." (William Campbell/Getty Images)

A Montana judge's historic ruling in a climate lawsuit brought by 16 young plaintiffs could have implications for future climate litigation, legal experts say.

The trial and ruling, which came during a summer rife with crippling heat waves and other climate change-fueled disasters, was a rare win for climate activists seeking support in court.