How Other Countries Are Tackling Climate Change

Honolulu, Hawai'i

In 2020, the City and County of Honolulu filed a ground-breaking lawsuit against major oil and gas companies- including ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron. They alleged that they knowingly engaged in decades-long deception about the climate risks associated with their products. The city argues that this information has led to severe and costly damage such as costal erosion, worsening hurricanes, coral reefs damage, and threats to marine life.  

This lawsuit is one of the first of its kind to clear key legal hurdles. In early 2022, a Hawai’i circuit court denied multiple attempts by the fossil fuel companies to dismiss the case and allowed it to proceed for more evidence to be revealed. Most recently in 2025, Honolulu’s lawsuit was spotlighted as a national legal frontrunner in climate accountability efforts.

By suing fossil fuel giants, Honolulu is not only acknowledging climate issues but demanding accountability from those responsible. This move aligns with its broader sustainability goals including a 2024 target for carbon neutrality and 100% renewable electricity. This case is a demonstration that both justice and resilience are essential parts of effective climate actions.

"Mayor Kirk Caldwell is working with City Council members Joey Manahan, left, and Ron Menor, second from the right, on a lawsuit against companies he says worsen climate change." Courtesy Honolulu Civil Beat

Portugal 

In what was being called a David and Goliath legal battle, six young people from Portugal- aged 11 and 24- filed an unprecedented lawsuit against 32 European government, claiming that the nations’ inadequate effectiveness to combat climate change have infringed upon their rights to life, health, privacy life, and protection from discrimination. They claim that in order for their generation to succeed and live healthily, these nations need to be held directly and publicly responsible for their violations of the European Convention.

This case is the largest-ever climate case before any court, including 32 governments. Although, the Portuguese youth case was dismissed on procedural grounds, they continue to challenge the government under domestic climate laws, joining with a Portuguese NGO.

This youth activism vividly emphasizes that climate justice isn’t just about emissions- it’s human rights and well-being. For such acts of outburst to be summoned by young individuals it is a message to the world that climate change is affecting everyone on Earth’s grounds. It was an example of not only the physical effects of climate change but also the physiological tolls that the population endures daily as wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme temperatures increase.

"Four of the six claimants: Martim Duarte, 17, Cláudia Duarte, 21, Mariana Duarte, 8, and Catarina Mota, 20." Courtesy Marcelo Engenheiro (CNN)

Pakistan 

Eighteen-year-old Sham Bhai, a folk singer from Sindu, Pakistan, tours dozens of villages, hoping her catchy melodies will reach those who have felt the impacts of climate-related tragedies. Through her songs, she resonates with her community where literacy is low and natural disaster occurrence is high. Bhai teachings about climate adaptation and resilience motivated the communities to plant trees and make their houses strong and durable to face climate change. Due to the fact that women are the main providers of the household and supply food and water for the family, they are the first to suffer when disasters hits. Bhai hopes that her message of climate activism and women rights can reach her entire nation of Pakistan through her amusing tunes. 

Bhai is a representation of a small-scale achievement that resonates with her interests. She transformed an entire community to follow her advice and begin a future focused on combatting climate change.

Through simple changes in everyday life, you too can begin a future charting green and sustainable.

Courtesy AP News