Challenging France’s Climate Adaptation: First-of-Its-Kind Legal Case Launched
- Loes van Dijk
- Apr 10
- 7 min read
A group of 14 applications – 5 individuals and 9 organisations – have launched a new legal action in France this week. Building on the foundation of emissions reductions litigation, this case addresses a less-explored area of state obligations regarding adaptation measures. The applicants allege that the French government has fallen short in its legal duty to protect its citizens from the impacts and risks caused by climate change. The applicants are supported by Oxfam France, Notre Affaire à Tous, and Greenpeace France.
This is initially a request addressed to the state, which must be made before the case can be brought before the Council of State (Conseil d’État), the highest administrative court in France. If the state fails to respond, or does so in an unsatisfactory manner, the case can be brought to the Council of State for judicial review and decision.