The publication “Human Rights and Environmental Protection in Europe: Case law from the European Court of Human Rights and its implications” analyses how the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) addresses environmental protection through the lens of human rights. It examines a range of cases where environmental harm intersects with fundamental rights, including the rights to life, health, privacy, and property, demonstrating how environmental degradation can impact individuals’ fundamental human rights. This guide delves into key challenges such as climate change, pollution, natural disasters, and industrial impacts, exploring the obligations of states to prevent, mitigate, and respond to environmental harm under the ECHR.

Building on recent landmark cases, such as Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz v. Switzerland, the publication highlights how the Court’s evolving jurisprudence is shaping new standards in state accountability for climate change. This work is an essential resource for legal professionals, policy-makers, and advocates, providing practical insights into the role of human rights frameworks in advancing environmental protection.