In December, council officials ordered Kevin Jordan to leave his home, warning him it was at risk of falling into the sea at any moment.
On Tuesday, he had his day in court, accusing the government of failing to do enough to adapt to the changes the UK is facing as a result of climate breakdown.
Jordan is one of three claimants bringing a legal challenge over what they describe as the government’s failure to protect people, property and infrastructure from the foreseeable impacts of the accelerating climate crisis.
They argue the government has breached the Climate Change Act 2008 by failing to set out clear and realistic objectives in its third national adaptation programme (NAP3), which is supposed to protect citizens from the risks posed by high temperatures, coastal flooding and extreme weather caused by climate breakdown.
Sitting in the back row of court 73 at the Royal Courts of Justice, Jordan, a white-haired pensioner, said he was “nervous, anxious”. Beside him, using a wheelchair equipped with a whirring fan, sat fellow claimant Doug Paulley, who has health conditions that are exacerbated by high summer temperatures.
A key part of their case is that each has suffered harm as a result of climate breakdown. Jordan lost his home, and Paulley’s disabilities mean he is particularly vulnerable during summer heatwaves.
Between them, they allege that NAP3 is so deficient that it breaches their human rights to life, home and possessions, and that they have been discriminated against on account of their vulnerable situations.
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17 w
I do hope that they will act sooner and bring about the kind of change that we all desire.
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24 w
The UK's government facing claims over alleged failure to protect people during the climate crisis underscores the urgent need for robust climate policies. Strengthening climate resilience and implementing adaptive measures are essential to safeguard communities against escalating environmental threats.
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24 w
A clear indication of what climate change can do.we ought to act fast and soon.
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25 w
Lets hope that they will act upon such cases!
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25 w
@gorffly_mokua Absolutely!!