CYIL vol. 16 (2025)

PETRA BAUMRUK Currently there are four climate-related complaints pending before the ECtHR 38 and it will be very interesting to see whether the conditions, considerations, and principles established in the KlimaSeniorinnen case will continue to be applied and how they will develop, both within the Court and in other forums. For instance, the approach in the case, particularly concerning the criteria for victim status and individual applicants’ access to the Court, does not appear to be complete and may be subject to future revision. 39 That said, it must be acknowledged that this case constitutes a significant development which may serve as substantial support for environmental organizations committed to the promotion of human rights and climate-related issues. By connecting state obligations to protect human rights with those to address climate change, the judgment reaffirms the critical role of human rights in shaping and enforcing climate change law, marking a milestone for future climate change legal action.

38 Greenpeace Nordic and Others v Norway , App No 34068/21 (ECtHR, pending); The Norwegian Grandparents’ Climate Campaign and Others v Norway , App No 19026/21 (ECtHR, pending); Engels v Germany , App No 46906/22 (ECtHR, pending); Müllner v Austria , App No 18859/21 (ECtHR, pending). 39 For instance the case of Müllner v Austria offers the Court an opportunity to revise these concepts. Müllner v Austria, op. cit. Müllner v Austria.

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