French Citizens and NGOs Sue State Over Climate Adaptation Failures

In a historic European first, plaintiffs demand the government revise its inadequate climate adaptation plan, citing insufficient funding and protection measures.

Environmental NGOs and 11 citizens impacted by climate change have initiated legal action against the French government for failing to adequately adapt to climate risks.
The lawsuit targets the recently unveiled PNACC-3, criticized for its lack of funding and failure to meet European adaptation standards.
This marks the first legal case in the European Union where citizens are suing their government specifically for inadequate climate adaptation policies.
Plaintiffs include individuals affected by extreme weather events such as flooding, heatwaves, and structural damage to homes caused by soil shrinkage.
If the government does not respond to their demands within two months, the case will escalate to the Conseil d’État, with potential further appeals to European courts.