Should Nature Have Standing to Sue?

In the 1970s, the Sierra Club sued to stop a ski development in Sequoia National Forest, California, but the Supreme Court rejected the club’s reasoning, unwilling to accept that Nature had standing to sue in court. However, one justice, William O. Douglas, was persuaded by the Sierra Club’s original reasoning and later supported allowing Nature’s voice to be heard in the courtroom. Despite Douglas’ efforts, Nature is still excluded by courtrooms. Today, climate change and environmental crises require major reforms in the legal systems. For this reason, it is time for us, humans, or at least our organizations, to advocate for Nature’s standing in Courts. Photo credit: Jena Cragg, Rhett Wilkins, NOAA