Equitable Climate Solutions Initiative (ECSI)
The road to equitable and fair compensation for climate related losses is paved with pitfalls. With swiftly increasing losses and rising claims for damage due to climate change, it is imperative to explore a balanced allocation of financial resources. The law of the jungle seems to prevail, neglecting the interest of the most vulnerable victims.
The Issue
Climate change poses multiple challenges, also in the legal arena. Litigation is booming. It predominantly focusses on mitigation (by means of injunctive relief or declaratory judgments) and impact assessments; understandably so. These issues are of vital importance; they are discussed at great length in legal doctrine, authoritative reports of international organisations, brochures for clients of law firms and by major news outlets.
Claims for damages are becoming the new trend. A few have been submitted, mostly by US plaintiffs before US courts. If these courts would grant compensation as sought, most other victims will be left empty-handed. That would be fundamentally unfair towards the most vulnerable victims, future generations and the environment.
The main goal of this project is to explore avenues to cope with climate-related losses in a balanced way.
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Preparations for Girona
In mid-June 2024, multiple distinguished global experts from different backgrounds and expertises will come together in Girona, in order to discuss the project, to strengthen its fundamental means and goals, and to boost the initiative. Currently, the initiators – Jaap Spier and Sam Wiegers – are already discussing key features with experienced pioneers in the field, from NGO’s, the corporate sector, international organisations, the financial sector, attorneys, and academia.
Publications
More very soon!
Equitable Climate Compensation Project 