Courts become a new battleground in the battle against global warming

With the Government to be taken to court for its alleged failures on climate change, the law is now a frontline for campaigners, writes Caroline O’Doherty.

Around kitchen tables and over cross-country phone calls, preparations are being made for a court case with no less an aim than saving the planet. Or at least pushing Ireland to do its full share of the job.

High Court case 2017/793JR will have its hearing over four days next January when the campaign group, Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), seek to hold the Government to account for alleged failures to take the necessary action against climate change which is imperilling Earth and all in it.