Montana Youths Sue State Over Failure to Protect Them From Climate Change

Montana youth are suing the state government for failing to uphold their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.
The plaintiffs argue that Montana's fossil fuel-friendly policies disproportionately harm young people and violate their rights.
The trial could set an important legal precedent regarding government's duty to protect citizens from climate change.
The state argues its energy policies provide economic benefits, but plaintiffs say they worsen wildfires, droughts, and glacier loss.
The trial is the first of several similar youth-led cases on climate change making their way through the U.S. court system.