South America

On Thursday July 3, 2025, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) issued Advisory Opinion No.32, a 234 page document the first of its kind from the tribunal. In it, the court says “states have legal obligations to protect people alive today and future generations from the impacts of climate breakdown”, ruling that access to a stable climate is a human right that states must protect. Some of the actions that must be taken include working on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, cooperating internationally, guarding against the threat of climate disinformation, adapting to evolving needs and utilizing the best available science to inform decisions. 

Advisory opinion on the Climate Emergency and Human Rights

submitted to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights by the Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Chile

--ENGLISH and SPANISH VERSONS