Rights-based Climate Litigation in Colombia: An Assessment of Claims, Remedies, and Implementation

Abstract

Climate litigation in Colombia is increasingly centred on fundamental and/or constitutional human rights. This note evaluates rights-based climate litigation in Colombia through the lens of five cases that protect ecosystems: the Atrato River, the Combeima River, and the Bruno River; the Amazon rainforest; and the Páramos ecosystem. First, the framing of cases is analysed. Second, the judges’ interpretations of the link between constitutional rights and climate change (if any), their reasoning, the scope of the remedies granted, and their intended impact are analysed. Relatedly, the note explores whether decisions that do not explicitly mention climate change can be considered climate cases as their remedies directly or indirectly affect climate change mitigation or adaptation. Finally, the note examines the status of compliance with or implementation of judicial remedies in climate cases.