ClientEarth v Secretary of State: Considering Judicial Implications in Relation to Emissions Target Rules in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This analysis considers the case of R (on the application of ClientEarth) v Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and another. The piece will begin by providing an overview of the case background. It will then provide more detailed discussion of the ruling. Finally, analysis of the significance of the case and the subsequent ruling will follow. Specifically, it will point towards three important implications resulting from the ruling. The first implication concerns the reflection of the rising visibility of cases relating to emissions targets being brought to court in the UK. The second implication is how the ruling displays the limitations appellants face when bringing cases to court on the grounds of actors failing to align with future emissions target agreements. The third is that the ruling sets precedent proving government bodies to approve fossil fuel-based energy development projects with essentially no limitations.