氣候訴訟之定義與作用

Definitions and Roles of Climate Litigation

全球暖化與氣候變遷已經造成地球與人類社會不可逆的存立危機。除透過國際UNFCCC、京都議定書與巴黎協定等國際合作機制外，新近有越來越多的氣候訴訟在國際、區域或國內法院提起。此等氣候訴訟之定義與具體內涵為何？訴訟要件為何？法律效果為何？在在攸關後續相關氣候損害之救濟。本文嘗試從新近國際組織與智庫之研究報告出發，綜整與分析氣候訴訟之定義，以及釐清其可能在全球氣候治理可能發生之作用，以作為後續進一步研究相關案例細節之根基。

Global warming and climate change have caused an irreversible existential crisis for the earth and human society. In addition to international cooperation mechanisms such as the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, more and more climate litigations have recently been filed in international, regional, or domestic courts. What are the definitions and specific connotations of these climate litigations? What are the elements of a climate litigation? What are the legal effects? All is very relevant for possible relief of subsequent climate-related damage & compensation. This article attempts to synthesize and analyze the definition of climate litigation, based on the recent research reports of international organizations and think tanks, and clarify its possible roles in global climate governance, so as to serve as the basis for further research on the details of relevant cases.