Agriculture shifts from climate-change culprit to victim in new lawsuit 

Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. But it is also one of the sectors most affected by climate change. A lawsuit in Switzerland could prompt farmers around the world to sue their governments for climate inaction.  Farmers know how to make their voices heard. They block roads with tractors or dump piles of manure in cities to express their discontent. Last year, farmers’ protests erupted against environmental policies, rising production costs and international competition in many European countries, including Switzerland. However, a group of Swiss farmers has chosen another way – albeit a less spectacular, but no less effective, one – to express their dissatisfaction.  Nine farmers and five small agricultural associations from various cantons have launched a lawsuit against Swiss authorities, accusing them of not doing enough for the climate and jeopardising their existence. The lawsuit is pending before the Federal Administrative Court.   Climate lawsuits are ...