Now We Sue The State: A sit-down with Swedish youth activists from Aurora
Climate litigation is on the rise; hear from a group of 300+ Swedish youth who are looking to hold Sweden accountable for its failure to deliver a livable future.
All across the world, countries are increasingly setting net-zero targets and making pledges on climate action. But despite the abundance of policy documents produced and conferences held, carbon emissions are still on the rise and the window to keep 1.5°C in reach is rapidly closing. Recent data from Climate Action Tracker, an independent research group, shows that none of the world’s biggest emitters (China, the United States, India, and the European Union) are on track to meet their climate goals.
This begs the question - how do we hold governments accountable for missing the mark?
We traveled to Stockholm, Sweden to find out. At the center of the city’s most famous urban renewal district, we met with Agnes Hjortsberg and Ida Edling, two board members of Aurora. Aurora is a youth-led climate litigation organization suing the Swedish state for insufficient climate action. They’re using the law to hold the government accountable for failing to move fast enough to address a warming world.
As a climate litigation organization, Aurora is part of a growing movement in environmental law that uses legal means to address environmental justice and advocate for change. Across the world, climate litigation is on the rise; there are 2,000+ cases worldwide, with one-quarter being filed between 2020 and 2022. Climate litigation lawsuits have been won in multiple countries, including the Netherlands, France and Germany; now Swedish youth are following suit.
Although Sweden itself is known worldwide for its early climate action (it was the second country to implement a carbon tax and CO2 emissions per capita are below the global average, an abnormality for a European country), there’s more to the climate story than just the ten different types of recycling bins you see in Stockholm.
Here’s what we learned from our sit-down with Aurora.
Introduction
The Green Journey (TGJ): Hello and welcome to The Green Journey, Agnes and Ida. How did Aurora come to be and why did you decide to take legal action against the Swedish government?
Ida: We joined the global movement of climate litigation, inspired by over 2000 cases worldwide, from every continent but Antarctica. Sweden, being responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions and having the means to act, needed to be held accountable.
Sweden’s responsibility in climate change
TGJ: Why does Sweden bear such a responsibility in addressing the climate crisis?
Agnes: Sweden, as part of the Global North, has a history of emitting significant GHGs. We have a responsibility to take action and contribute our fair share.
Ida: Sweden's historic responsibility, coupled with its economic capability, necessitates comprehensive system transformation to combat climate change. “Fair share”, as Agnes mentioned, is a concept that both science and international conventions say every country must follow: each country has to do their fair share of the global climate measures necessary to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees.
Sweden’s challenges in the green transition
TGJ: In other parts of the world, Sweden is often looked at as the ‘perfect example’ of a successful green transition. Despite this reputation, where do you believe it falls short in meeting climate goals?
Agnes: Sweden fails to account for various emissions and disregards scientific backing for its goals. For instance, the destruction of natural forests, causing significant emissions, is not adequately addressed or counted.
Ida: Sweden's emissions reduction targets exclude substantial portions of emissions, lack ambition in line with science and equity, and disregard the protection of carbon sinks. And these insufficient targets are not being met by the government.
Climate litigation
TGJ: Why did Aurora choose climate litigation as its approach, and what does it entail?
Ida: The current ecological crisis is unprecedented. In a situation like ours, we have to use every legitimate tool available to us in order to achieve environmental justice. And so law is one of these tools that cannot be ignored, as it holds everyone accountable. You can't just ignore the law. You can break it, but then that has consequences, and we're bringing the consequences. It is a powerful instrument for change.
TGJ: How does the global movement of climate litigation contribute to the cause? What are the challenges it faces?
Agnes: The movement brings various groups and countries together, amplifying our voices and strengthening our impact. The IPCC has acknowledged that climate litigation has had positive impacts on climate governance. So we are now helping groups in other countries with their own climate litigation lawsuits.
Ida: However, the movement faces financial constraints and opposition from influential industries that resist systemic change. We appreciate the support of all, including funding and networks. Aurora's legal action aims to inspire others and show that meaningful climate action is possible.
Aurora’s lawsuit
TGJ: What is the timeline of the Aurora lawsuit?
Ida: We submitted the lawsuit in November 2022; at the end of June, we received a response from the state demanding our lawsuit be dismissed as they don’t think it’s an issue that should be tried in court. We’re currently preparing our response. It is difficult to predict the exact timing of next steps, since this is the first systemic climate case in Sweden.
In the best-case scenario, we could have a verdict from the Supreme Court by 2027. Which is very stressful because the IPCC is very clear that if we are to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees, we need systems transformation and drastic action before 2030.
TGJ: What would be the ideal outcome of the lawsuit?
Agnes: Given the lack of precedents in Sweden, it's hard to say. But in some sense, all the attention we've gotten from the media and from society is a win in itself because it makes climate more visible. Our hope is that the lawsuit will empower politicians to take the necessary actions for the climate.
A message for global youth
TGJ: As young activists, what does it mean to be part of the movement in Sweden? What message do you have for global youth?
Agnes: Being a young activist in Sweden means using our privilege to drive change. We live in a democracy that hasn't yet experienced the full effects of the climate crisis, so we hold a responsibility.
Ida: We have been granted democratic rights, and it is both our privilege and responsibility to use them to shape society.
What gives you hope
TGJ: There is one question we always ask on our journey: In the face of the climate and nature crises, what is giving you hope?
Ida: It's undoubtedly a daunting situation, but we can draw inspiration from how global society handled the recent pandemic. If we apply effective methods and mobilize at the necessary scale, positive change is possible.
Agnes: Creating safe spaces as youth activists and constructing our vision of a better society within our communities is crucial. Our motivation comes from a mix of anger, love for life, and for the remaining natural world.
Closing
We loved sitting down with Aurora, and were super inspired by their drive to use every tool available to combat the climate crisis. Are you interested in getting involved? Here are three actions you can take today to contribute to the fight against the climate and nature crises.
Help fund climate litigation: Lawsuits are expensive to pursue, and there are still a few years of proceedings ahead before Aurora gets a verdict from the Swedish Supreme Court. You can support Aurora’s action here.
Start your own climate lawsuit: Just like the members of Aurora and everyone else on this planet, YOU are a party to the future of the planet. You can find more resources on climate litigation here and we encourage you to reach out to experts and environmental lawyers if you think you have a case to bring.
Spread the word: If you liked this story or learned something from it, we encourage you to share it with your network or subscribe to our Substack to read more stories about climate action all around the world!