A group of farmers from countries such as Germany, Italy, France or Portugal, but also from outside the EU, filed a lawsuit with the European Court, accusing the EU institutions of failing to act properly against climate change. They say their homes and traditional family occupation and culture are affected by climate change.

The group also includes a Romanian family from Alba county. They say the increasing temperatures seriously affects their farm, their livestock and their traditional family occupation.

“Year by year, the temperatures are increasing. There is no longer enough water for our cattle and sheep. I have to take my cattle from 700m altitude to 1400m for decent grass to graze, but especially for water. But I cannot go any further up with our herds, because above 2000m there is only the sky,” Romanian Petru Vlad said, cited on the website dedicated to this litigation action, Peoplesclimatecase.caneurope.org.

“Some say it is divine punishment, others blame it on pollution. However, what I can tell you, as a simple peasant with no higher education, is that it is not my fault and that needs to be fixed. And this is why I demand action: not money, but protection,” he added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=Yn1jPXQcNRE

The plaintiffs believe “the EU can and must be more ambitious regarding its 2030 climate target,” and ask the European General Court to rule on the protection of their fundamental rights such as right to life, health, occupation and property.

A broad range of NGOs, lawyers, citizens and scientists have joined this action. More information is available here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CvFjPmNL4Y

Irina Marica, irina.marica@romania-insider.com