Youth Plaintiffs

Held youth plaintiffs’ voices and power resonated around the globe as they took the stand and held their government accountable to protect their rights to a safe climate, and a livable future.

YOUTH PLAINTIFF

Eva L.

Age: 14
Hometown: Livingston, Montana

Montana’s rivers, forests, and mountains have always been an important part of Eva’s life. It’s where she’s experienced her favorite activities like climbing, rafting, skiing, swimming, biking, hiking, camping, and backpacking.

However, rising temperatures and abnormal precipitation trends due to climate crisis have harmed Eva. Frequent wildfires and smoke nearby have created poor air quality in Livingston, and more rapid snow melt has caused severe flooding in her area. Eva remembers the “Tsunami of 2018,” a flood on the Shields River that severely damaged a bridge near her home that her family needed to drive over to get into Livingston. Since 2018, flooding related to climate change has been impacting Eva almost annually.

I am worried about climate change worsening the devastation it has already brought on my family, community, the local ecosystem and my well-being—especially if immediate action to curb greenhouse gas emissions is not taken.

I know that older generations in Montana didn’t experience what my generation is having to live through, and it’s not fair.

—Eva L.