Through climate litigation, churches can change harmful policies

Climate litigation has been growing, particularly since the Paris agreement in 2015 that aimed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a further goal of pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees, explained Harj Narulla, a leading barrister specialising in climate litigation at Doughty Street Chambers.

Since then, there have been more than 2,700 cases that have been filed, most of them in the global north.

Narulla offered an overview of domestic strategies using public law to drive action on climate change, as well as private actions—for example, those taken by shareholders. Narulla also touched on regional and international strategies.

Sr Susan Francois, part of the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, spoke about shareholder resolutions related to Citigroup, urging the parent company of one of the world’s largest investment banks to rethink its financial ties to fossil fuel projects that harm Indigenous communities.

Francois also urged churches to share stories and raise their moral questions. “Collaboration and maximizing our influence is what’s most important,” she said. “This is a story in progress.”

Legal tools for climate justice

The training was offered in conjunction with the release of a new resource from the World Council of Churches, “Hope for Children Through Climate Justice: Legal Tools to Hold Financiers Accountable,” which provides churches and communities essential legal tools designed to hold financial actors accountable for their role in perpetuating the climate crisis. 

Nicholas Young, a lawyer and DPhil candidate in law researching climate litigation at the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme, directed participants to the many examples of cases, practical tools, and templates included in the handbook. 

“More and more cases are being brought, particularly by young people, so there are a lot of terrific examples to guide our way forward here,” said Young. 

Ultimately, the training helped answer the question: What can I do if I am interested in pursuing a path of climate litigation? 

Rev. Jackline Makena, from the Methodist Church in Kenya and also a vice moderator for the WCC Commission on Faith and Order, tied the context of climate justice to God’s call for churches. 

She suggested that churches include related thematic elements in their prayers and services, and create opportunities for congregations to learn. 

Kevin Maina, a member of the WCC Commission for Climate Justice and Sustainable Development as well as director of Young Theologians Initiative for Climate Action, explained how the handbook includes background on the “ripple effects” of climate litigation—and how it can achieve systemic changes without even getting to court. 

Next steps

Frederique Seidel, WCC senior programme lead for Children and Climate, said she hopes that churches are able to see that legal action is an excellent remedy for eco-anxiety. “This project is really about creating a livable future for children.”

Peter Prove, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, concluded the training by announcing that the WCC will be looking at proposals from member churches and partners around the world with regard to possible cases that will be supported as ecumenical cases.

“We really want to encourage you to submit your proposals by the end of May,” said Prove. “We hope that this introduction has provided you with inspiration and tools to help formulate those proposals.”

Prove concluded: “The idea is that this should be a resource led by a global constituency of faith actors.”

Churches and partners who would like to join the World Council of Churches project on climate litigation are invited to send a note to [email protected].

WCC’s new climate justice tools bring hope for children (WCC news release, 10 April 2025)

Publication "Hope for Children Through Climate Justice: Legal Tools to Hold Financiers Accountable"

Learn more about Churches’ Commitments to Children and Climate-Responsible Banking