Fourteen years ago, something remarkable happened that forever reshaped the landscape of environmental justice. It didn’t begin in a courtroom or a government chamber—it began on Mother’s Day weekend in 2011, when a small group of legal visionaries and determined young people came together with one unshakable belief: our children have the right to a livable climate.
At Sustainable Action Now, we proudly stand with allies like Our Children’s Trust, whose work has sparked a global shift toward rights-based climate litigation. This Mother’s Day marks more than just a celebration of moms—it’s an anniversary of one of the most powerful movements for intergenerational justice our planet has ever seen.
👉 Read more about this pivotal moment and support the movement here
The Birth of a Movement: A Mother’s Day to Remember
Back in May 2011, as families celebrated Mother’s Day with flowers, cards, and brunches, something groundbreaking was quietly taking root. Legal actions were being filed in all 50 U.S. states, asserting a bold legal claim: that the atmosphere is a public trust—a resource that must be protected for current and future generations. Youth plaintiffs stood up with fierce determination, declaring that their constitutional rights were being violated by government inaction on climate change.
This was the birth of Our Children’s Trust, and it signaled a tectonic shift in the fight against climate collapse. It turned the legal system into a battleground for climate rights—and youth into its most powerful warriors.
A Global Legal Legacy Built by Youth
Since that pivotal weekend, the movement has only grown stronger. The courage of young plaintiffs has echoed in courtrooms from Montana to the Philippines, from Colombia to Uganda. Together, they have forced governments to confront their obligations—not just to economies or corporations, but to the very future of life on Earth.
Among the most inspiring victories is the Held v. Montana case, a groundbreaking decision affirming that young people have a constitutional right to a safe and stable climate. This win is more than a legal triumph—it’s a message to the world that youth voices matter, and that justice must evolve to meet the challenges of the climate crisis.
And this is only the beginning.
👉 Explore more about the impact and history of youth climate litigation
Our Children, Our Planet, Our Responsibility
At Sustainable Action Now, we believe that protecting our environment isn’t just about science or policy—it’s about morality, responsibility, and love. It’s about parents who want their children to grow up breathing clean air and drinking safe water. It’s about young people who refuse to accept a future defined by droughts, fires, floods, and extinction.
We’ve supported this movement not only because it’s effective—but because it’s right. Legal battles may be complex, but the truth is simple: every child deserves a planet they can call home.
The Next Chapter: What Comes Now
As we mark this 14-year anniversary, we’re not just looking back—we’re looking ahead. The legal foundation has been laid. The coalition has been built. Precedents have been set. The next generation of youth plaintiffs is rising, and the demand for climate accountability is louder than ever.
But this movement needs support to keep building momentum. Each legal battle requires funding, research, outreach, and relentless determination. Every step forward depends on people like you—citizens, parents, educators, students, and activists—who understand that real change comes when we empower the next generation to lead it.
This Mother’s Day, Honor the Future
This Mother’s Day, as we celebrate the love, strength, and sacrifices of mothers around the world, let’s also celebrate the courageous actions of youth who are fighting to protect the Earth their mothers hoped to pass on.
By supporting organizations like Our Children’s Trust and spreading awareness of their work, we not only honor our children—we ensure their future is worth inheriting.
🌎 Fourteen years ago, the climate justice movement found its fiercest defenders in the voices of youth. Today, their call is louder than ever. Let’s stand beside them. Let’s take sustainable action—now.
