Reuters are reporting that environmental groups have taken legal action against Portugal, accusing the government of failing to implement its own climate regulations. The lawsuit, filed in a Lisbon court, highlights the country’s slow progress in meeting climate goals and deadlines set in 2021.
Background
In 2021, Portugal approved a set of regulatory policies and legal instruments to combat climate change. However, environmental groups Ultimo Recurso, Quercus, and Sciaena argue that the government has made “little progress” in meeting the established goals and deadlines. The groups have now taken their grievances to court, seeking to hold the government accountable for its inaction.
Specific Allegations
The environmental groups’ joint statement outlines several key areas where the government has fallen short:
- Regulation Tracking Portal: The government has not created a portal for citizens to track the status of climate regulations.
- Carbon Budget: A carbon budget, which would establish a cap on CO2 emissions, has not been published.
- National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC): Measures outlined in the PNEC and sector-specific policies for climate mitigation have not been fully implemented.
Government’s Response
In June, the Portuguese government announced it was reviewing the PNEC and set a target to generate 80% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2026. From January to October this year, renewables supplied around 68% of Portugal’s electricity. Despite these efforts, the environmental groups argue that more immediate action is needed.
Growing Trend of Legal Action
As global temperatures and emissions continue to rise, activists are increasingly turning to the courts to challenge governments and fossil fuel companies. Over the past five years, the number of climate-related court cases has more than doubled. Analysts note that this strategy is proving effective, with more than half of judicial outcomes favoring stronger climate action.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Portugal underscores the growing frustration among environmental groups over the slow pace of climate action. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, legal challenges are becoming a crucial tool for holding governments accountable and pushing for more robust measures.