Inter-American Court Sets Dangerous Precedent for Government Overreach in Climate Policy

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights recently issued a landmark advisory opinion asserting that governments have a binding duty under international law to combat climate change as part of their human rights obligations. Sound noble on the surface, but let’s break down what this means for national sovereignty and practical governance.This court, whose rulings often influence legislation across Latin America and the Caribbean, is effectively pressuring states to enact laws, policies, and actions aimed at preventing “massive and irreversible environmental harm.” It even recognizes a so-called human right to a "healthy climate," pushing governments to protect not only current but...