Legal question concerning global warming

[willard 0]

Since the U.S. is a major contributor of greenhouse gases, and there are many small countries being adversely affected by global warming, is it realistically conceivable that these small countries could file a lawsuit against the U.S. for damages caused by these emissions?

[narcimund 0]

Quote

is it realistically conceivable that these small countries could file a lawsuit against the U.S. for damages caused by these emissions?

Sure. And it's just as realistically conceivable that the US will abide by the rule of law in other areas.

Oh wait. I mean no, it's completely unfathomable.

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[akarunway 1]

Quote

Since the U.S. is a major contributor of greenhouse gases, and there are many small countries being adversely affected by global warming, is it realistically conceivable that these small countries could file a lawsuit against the U.S. for damages caused by these emissions?

Sure. Good luck collecting a judgement. The good ole US of A is immune from shit like that. We do what we want w/ impunity don't ya know?

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

[lawrocket 3]

I'm often asked the question, "Can I be sued for...?"

The answer to that question is "yes." In th eUS you can sue for anything. It doesn't mean you'll win, but you can sue for anything.

Fathomable? It's probably already happened.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[billvon 3,119]

> is it realistically conceivable that these small countries could file a
> lawsuit against the U.S. for damages caused by these emissions?

----------------
A group of people living in the Arctic have filed a lawsuit against the US government, claiming its climate change policies violate their human rights. The Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) says that by failing to control emissions of greenhouse gases, the US is damaging the livelihoods those living in the Arctic. The group has filed a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights demanding that the US limit its emissions.

http://news.mongabay.com/2005/1208-icc.html
-----------------

Inuit Blame U.S. for Global Warming, Take Case to Human-Rights Commission

WASHINGTON — As the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the United States has come under heavy criticism, including from people who live almost on top of the world.

The Inuits of Northern Canada and beyond are taking their case against the United States on Thursday to an international human rights commission.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,255652,00.html

----------------------------------------------
10 states sue EPA over warming, power plants
Lawsuit in response to ruling that upheld EPA decision not to regulate CO2

WASHINGTON - Ten states fired a new legal salvo at the federal government Thursday in a long-running court battle over global warming and pollution from power plants.

The states, joined by environmental groups, sued the Environmental Protection Agency over its decision not to regulate carbon dioxide pollution as a contributor to global warming.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12517526/
-------------------

[willard 0]

That pretty much answers my question, thanks. I don't expect the Inuit people have much of a chance of ever seeing a judgement on their lawsuits.