The recent settlement between Hawai’i’s youth plaintiffs and the Hawai’i Department of Transportation is a historic moment in the fight against climate change. On June 21, 2024, 13 young people settled with the Hawaiian Department of Transportation to reduce carbon emissions. The settlement states that by 2045, Hawai’i will achieve zero emissions from all ground, air, and sea transportation. Over this period, Hawai’i will develop comprehensive plans to meet this goal. 

For more than two years, these young individuals, the driving force behind this legal battle with support from ACE’s close partner Our Children’s Trust, fought for their right to a safe and stable environment, invoking their rights under Hawai’i’s state constitution, which guarantees a clean and healthy environment. 

This right has been interpreted to include protection from climate change impacts, arguing that the state must mitigate climate change to preserve this right.

The youth of Hawai’i have seen firsthand the disasters resulting from climate change, including wildfires, storms, rising sea levels, and coral bleaching. For decades, Hawai’i has suffered from these issues, and as time goes on, they will worsen. This has motivated the young plaintiffs to fight for their constitutional rights in court. During this time, they have had to prove that the state is responsible for the damages to the climate, deal with legal resistance, and make the government commit to zero emissions.

Youth-led climate activism has gained momentum globally, inspired by movements such as Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future. In the United States, cases like Juliana v. United States have set the stage for young activists to challenge government policies on climate grounds. The Hawai’i case is part of this broader trend, where young people are using legal avenues to demand action on climate change.

With this case officially settled, it will now encourage other young individuals to seek government aid in situations involving climate change. This could reach beyond the US, affecting other countries’ youth fighting for their right to a stable, livable climate future.in the law. Readers can support climate activism by getting involved in local and global environmental initiatives. This can include donating to organizations fighting climate change, volunteering for environmental causes, or raising awareness through social media. By staying informed and engaged, individuals can contribute to the broader movement for climate justice.