Tort law and climate change actions - IBA Annual Litigation Forum 2022

Hausfeld Partner, Lucy Pert chaired a panel discussing “Tort law and whether it is a viable instrument in climate change actions against corporates?” at the IBA Annual Litigation Forum 2022 on Thursday 28 April.

Panellists also included Peter Chaffetz, Founding Partner of Chaffetz Lindsey; Tim Cooke-Hurle, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers; William Hooker, Partner at Pallas Partners and Lucy Maxwell, Senior Legal Associate at the Urgenda Foundation. Given the focus of the forum this year was on climate change litigation, the panel explored the role that the law of tort, or extra-contractual obligations, can play in climate change actions against corporates. They discussed:

  • A number of recent cases from across the world with varying levels of success.
  • Whether there is a difference in approach between common law and civil law jurisdictions.
  • If the law of tort is not currently well suited to meet the challenge we face, how the law can and should change.
  • Other private rights of action available against corporates.
Practicalities

This in-person event was held at the Royal Lancaster in London and the session took place between 14.30 and 16.00 h on 28 April.

Full programme