US Supreme Court Tells The Kids To Piss Off . Who Cares About Their Planet

My name is Mat. I’m a lawyer on a climate court case that you have supported, and I’m writing with some tough news.

We just learned that the U.S. Supreme Court has effectively ended Juliana v. United States — a lawsuit launched by 21 young people to hold the U.S. government accountable for the climate pollution threatening their lives, and the lives of children across the world. The youth didn’t lose on their claims — they never got the chance to be heard.

After a decade of fierce advocacy and unwavering commitment, this decision is heartbreaking. But it does not — and cannot — erase the profound impact Juliana has had.

I want to personally thank you for standing with Juliana. Whether you signed Avaaz’s global petition or made a donation, you helped give voice to a generation. You helped change the law. And you continue to power a movement that will not stop until justice is served — for our children and generations to come.

This is not the end. Juliana helped ignite a global movement for climate rights that keeps growing. These claims will be heard. The evidence will be presented. The U.S. government will be held accountable. Thanks to the courage of these 21 young people, a new era of climate justice has begun — and we will carry it forward, with people like you by our side.

Ten Years of Impact

Since 2015, these 21 youth plaintiffs have fought to hold the US government accountable for its role in fueling the climate crisis. The case faced more government opposition than any in history where the United States is a defendant, but they never backed down.

They fought for a decade across four presidential administrations and ignited a global movement around the simple but radical idea that children and future generations have the right to live in a safe climate.

Youth Securing Climate Rights

Juliana inspired over 60 youth-led climate lawsuits worldwide, and we are beginning to see real victories. Courts in South Korea, Colombia, and Germany ruled in favor of young people against their governments. And in the US state of Montana, youth plaintiffs recently won a groundbreaking judgment recognizing their constitutional right to a stable climate.

These cases have helped re-examine children’s most fundamental rights in the context of their greatest threat today: the climate crisis. Juliana became a teaching tool in law schools, a source of inspiration in grassroots movements, and the subject of the powerful documentary YOUTH v GOV. And it was made possible by your belief in the importance of this fight.

Thank you, and Onwards

Your support powered the 21 youth plaintiffs’ bravery and commitment for a decade. I am honored to have represented them, and we’re grateful you’ve been with us on the journey.

Our Children’s Trust is developing a new US federal case that will stand on the shoulders of every young person that’s fought for their climate rights, every loss, lesson learned, and win along the way. And it’s coming soon.

With hope and determination,

Mat dos Santos with the whole team at Avaaz
Co-executive Director and General Counsel at Our Children’s Trust