Is Juliana v. United States partly about recovering democracy from powerful interests?

Julia Olson, lead council in Juliana v. United States and co-founder of Our Children’s Trust

Julia Olson, lead council in Juliana v. United States and co-founder of Our Children’s Trust, reflects on how the lawsuit is not only about recovering a stable climate system but also recovering democracy. As she notes, “Everybody who has lived on this planet to date has enjoyed the benefits of our climate system, and future generations have a right to that too.”

Julia Olson, co-founder of Our Children’s Trust, shares her thoughts on the larger legal principles at stake in the historic Juliana v. United States climate change lawsuit, which she heads up as lead council. The case is scheduled for trial in federal court in autumn 2018.

Bifrost gratefully acknowledges Stephanie LeMenager, Barbara and Carlisle Moore Distinguished Professor in English and American Literature at University of Oregon, and the leadership of the research network NIES for all their valuable work and support behind the scenes that helped make this video interview possible. Grateful acknowledgment is also made to Torsten Kjellstrand of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication for providing valuable studio facilities where this and other interviews were filmed with Eugene-based activists, scholars, lawyers and plaintiffs affiliated with Our Children’s Trust.

What are the obstacles to climate recovery and what gives you hope?

Julia Olson, co-founder of Our Children’s Trust, discusses two of the general obstacles to climate recovery. She also shares reasons for optimism and hope that we can redress climate disruption for the sake of current and future generations.

What is Our Children’s Trust?

Julia Olson, lead council in the historic climate change case Juliana v. United States, explains why she founded Our Children’s Trust in support of young people.

Why is it important to get the courts involved in the question of climate disruption?

Julia Olson, co-founder of Our Children’s Trust, reflects on why the judiciary must get involved in the question of disruption of the climate system.

The Principle of Atmospheric Trust

Julia Olson, co-founder of Our Children’s Trust, outlines the principle of atmospheric trust at the heart of the Juliana v. United States lawsuit that she is leading through U.S. federal court system.