Climate case is first before European human rights tribunal
Applicant’s medical records show the impact of heatwaves as temperatures are rising at about twice the global rateMarie-Eve Volkoff, 85, gestures during an interview in her apartment in Geneva, Switzerland, March 13 2023. Picture: EMMA FARGE/REUTERS
Switzerland’s punishing triple heatwaves in 2022 compelled Volkoff to stay at home for 11 weeks with just short outings that she says was worse than Covid-19 and a violation of her human rights. Her medical documents, which form part of the case’s legal backbone, showed she has an irregular heart beat that worsens during hot weather obliging her to double her medication and lie down.
Some of the other women in the case described shortness of breath, nausea and even loss of consciousness during heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. One said she felt she would “melt into the concrete” when out walking on a hot day. Others sought refuge in their cellars.Switzerland’s policies to date are deemed “insufficient” by Climate Action Tracker, a website which monitors states’ action on global warming.
Anne Mahrer, co-president of the association Senior Women for Climate Protection, which is an applicant in the case in its own right alongside Volkoff, said her years as a former politician persuaded her to pursue another route.
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