Does it really matter that our judges are talking about the 1.5°C rise in global mean temperature, melting glaciers, increased and stronger typhoons, dying ecosystems?

What about poor people, who are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, or the growing number of climate refugees?

And if Asian judiciaries start addressing today’s pressing environmental and climate challenges?

Yes. A resounding yes. It matters that judges talk about these issues precisely because they have the power to make a difference.

Judges enjoy a position of leadership within the legal profession, and as such can influence legal, regulatory, and policy changes.

This power is even more pronounced in climate change cases, which are often brought in the community interest and concern both public and private rights.

In Asia, judiciaries have actually developed the environmental rule of law through broad and flexible judicial interpretations.