While the Parliament grounds were literally burning last week, the rest of the world is heating up, which is one of the reasons why Lawyers for Climate Action NZ Inc (LCANZI) has taken on the
Climate Change Commission in a judicial review proceeding.
For context, Lawyers for Climate Action is a society of lawyers which donates its legal services to promote action on climate change in New Zealand.
"We are lawyers who want to use our legal skills and experience to ensure a better future for everyone," the official website reads.
"We accept that the scientific evidence shows that climate change will cause global catastrophe unless we cut emissions now and achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050. We believe that New Zealand can and should do more in the global fight against climate change."
The players
In a nutshell - the not-for-profit incorporated society brought judicial review proceedings arguing the Climate Change Commission's advice for cutting emissions didn't cut the mustard and negatively impacted New Zealand's climate change policies.
Climate Change Minister James Shaw was also named in the suit.
Jenny Cooper QC and James Every-Palmer QC represented LCANZI, Victoria Casey QC appeared for the Climate Commission, and the Crown represented James Shaw.
Affidavit evidence was provided by Professor Piers Forster from the University of Leeds, Dr Joeri Rogelj from Imperial College, London, Professor Donald Wuebbles at the University of Illinois, Dr Stephen of telecommunications commissioner fame, Professor Ralph Sims from Massey University, Dr Geoff Bertram from Victoria University's Institute for Governance and Policy Studies, and Dr William Taylor from Nera Economic Consulting.
The hearing kicked off on Monday, February 28, and was due to finish on Friday. It was interrupted after anti-mandate protesting on the Parliament grounds escalated on Wednesday.