Climate & Air Pollution

Both individuals and organisations can bring climate litigation. You need to establish "standing"—a sufficient interest in the matter. For planning challenges, local residents affected by a development generally have standing. For broader policy challenges, the courts increasingly recognise that climate change affects everyone, and have granted standing to young people, parents, and others with compelling interests in climate action. NGOs can also bring cases in the public interest. We advise on the best approach for your circumstances, whether individual action, group litigation, or supporting organisational cases.

Climate litigation has achieved significant victories: forcing governments to strengthen climate policies, stopping harmful fossil fuel projects, requiring proper climate impact assessment in planning decisions, and compelling air quality improvements. Even when cases don't fully succeed in court, they generate political pressure, shift public debate, and create momentum for stronger climate action. Recent cases have established important precedents on climate duties, emissions accounting, and the relevance of climate science to legal decision-making. Strategic litigation is now recognised as a crucial tool for climate accountability alongside policy advocacy and activism.

Costs vary significantly depending on case complexity, but important protections exist for environmental cases. Courts can grant protective costs orders (PCOs) or costs capping orders that limit your financial liability if you lose—typically to £5,000-£20,000 depending on circumstances. Legal aid may be available in some cases, particularly where human rights are engaged. Many environmental organisations and funders support climate litigation through grants or crowdfunding. We provide transparent cost estimates and help you access available protections and funding. The existence of costs protection means environmental litigation is more accessible than many realise.

Yes, in many cases. If your local area breaches legal air quality limits (particularly for nitrogen dioxide or particulate matter), you may be able to bring judicial review against the local authority for failing to take adequate action. We assess whether limit values are being breached, whether the authority has proper air quality plans, and whether those plans will achieve compliance within the shortest possible time as required by law. We've successfully forced local authorities and central government to strengthen air quality measures through litigation. If you're directly affected by air pollution—particularly if it impacts your health or that of vulnerable family members—contact us to discuss your options.