A landmark court decision on climate justice has sparked global attention, bringing to light a remarkable movement from Switzerland: the KlimaSeniorinnen, or “Climate Grannies.” One of their leading figures, Pia Hollenstein, will speak live to the public during an online event organised by Universitat Rovira i Virgili on July 14, as part of the European project Climate Justice Living Lab (CJLL).
The event will be held in English, is free of charge, but registration is required to participate. Pia Hollenstein will answer audience questions, sharing insights on her group’s struggle, the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights, and the future of climate justice in Europe.
Pia Hollenstein is a retired nurse and former member of the Swiss Parliament from St. Gallen. She is an active member of KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz, a group of women aged 64 and above who campaign for stronger climate protection policies. Their key argument? That older women are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, especially during heatwaves, which pose serious health risks.
On April 9, 2024, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of the KlimaSeniorinnen in their case against the Swiss government, recognizing that the lack of adequate action on climate change constitutes a violation of human rights, specifically the right to life and to private and family life.
This decision is unprecedented: for the first time, an international court acknowledged that a state’s failure to act on the climate crisis breaches fundamental human rights. The ruling is binding on all Council of Europe member states, paving the way for similar legal actions in other countries.
Despite this legal victory, the Swiss Parliament rejected the Court’s decision, dismissing it as “judicial activism.” Nevertheless, the Council of Europe responded, demanding that Switzerland submit a clear climate plan by September 2025, including quantified emission targets and protective measures for vulnerable groups.
The webtalk on July 14 is a unique opportunity to hear Pia Hollenstein herself speak about how a group of senior women managed to reshape European legal discourse on the climate crisis.
Register for the webtalk here.
