Gen-Z Plaintiffs Impress in Montana’s Constitutional Climate Trial

The first constitutional climate case in U.S. history wrapped up in Montana late June of 2023, with sixteen plaintiffs aged 5 to 22 making the case that a provision in the Montana Environmental Policy Act violates the state constitution, which guarantees a right to a “clean and healthful environment” for “present and future generations.” On August 14, 2023, a judge ruled in favor of the Montana youths.

The case made international headlines for the plaintiffs’ ages, and the historic nature of a constitutional climate case. Host Ethan Brown breaks down why the legal case from the plaintiffs was particularly effective, and how the defense may have mishandled their argument in this episode of “Tip of the Iceberg.”