Historic climate win in French court as law rules in favour of Oxfam and partners

The people have had their say – and in this case, it was the people of France.
In December 2018, four NGOs – including Oxfam France – launched a legal action against the French government for failing to cut the country’s emissions fast enough to meet its climate commitments.
The four organisations were backed by a record 2.3 million people, all of whom had signed a petition supporting the action.
Now a French court has found in favour of the plaintiffs, agreeing that the country’s political leaders have failed to take adequate action to tackle the climate crisis.
This marks the first time that the French state has been taken to court over its climate responsibilities – and the decision leaves the government open to lawsuits from French citizens who have suffered climate-related damage.
It could also force the French government to take further steps to cut its emissions.

Michael McCarthy Flynn, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Oxfam Ireland, said:
- Michael McCarthy Flynn, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Oxfam Ireland
“This is a source of hope for the millions of French people who demanded legal action, and for all of those who continue to fight for climate justice around the world. It is also a timely reminder to all governments that actions speak louder than words.”
- Oxfam France