Swedish state’s responsibility for the climate to be tested in court

The climate association Aurora is facing government lawyers ahead of an upcoming trial, as the state’s climate responsibility is set to be addressed in a Swedish district court for the first time.

The Swedish state is exacerbating the climate crisis to such an extent that it threatens the lives and health of young people, according to the youth-led climate organisation Aurora.

The organisation filed a lawsuit against the state in February, and the issue is set to soon be addressed in a Swedish district court.

Aurora had previously sued the state via a class-action-style suit in 2022, but the Supreme Court ruled that the case could not be heard in a Swedish court, partly because the action had been initiated by individuals.

However, the Supreme Court left the door open for a case brought by an association or organisation.

Aurora subsequently took over the legal action from the young people who had originally sued the state, in order to pursue the case further.

In July, the Chancellor of Justice announced that the matter could be heard by the Stockholm District Court.