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Your rights
need backing.
We are looking for 100 supporting members.
You will give our climate lawsuits the staying power they need to see these cases through over the course of several years. Because rights only protect us if we can actually enforce them.
Support us monthly or annually.
Regular contributions help the most.
Law shapes reality.
CLAW and ÖKOBÜRO are calling for
mandatory groundwater
protection
Greenwashing in aviation and shipping: CLAW challenges EU taxonomy
Case won: Constitutional Court overturns ban on solar panels in protected area in St. Pölten
Constitutional Court: CLAW stands with children for their right to climate protection
Against soil sealing: CLAW stands with farmers
Our
Mission
Heat waves, floods, forest fires - extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. This is no coincidence, but rather the result of inadequate climate policy.
Climate action has to be delivered - not merely promised. The state has obligations – we have rights. When those rights are violated, we go to court. Because rights are more than empty words - they create reality. We demand them and push the boundaries of what is possible.
What we
are up against:
climate destruction
and inequality
What we
are standing for:
a better tomorrow
Where we are
taking action:
in court
Our winning strategy:
climate cases*
*and radical optimism and lots of coffee
What is CLAW doing?
We use strategic climate cases to remind those in charge of their duty to act. We use the law as a tool:
With the law for a better tomorrow.
The power of climate cases
On April the 9th, 2024 the European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of the KlimaSeniorinnen and recognized climate protection as a human right. This historic ruling obliges Switzerland to strengthen its climate protection measures in order to protect the rights of its citizens and paves the way for further cases. One of these is our climate case 'Müllner v. Austria'.
On December the 20th 2019, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands upheld the landmark Urgenda ruling, making climate protection a state obligation. As a result, the Dutch government increased its target to a 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2020 and implemented concrete measures to achieve this: (1) Decommissioning of coal-fired power plants; (2) Speed limits on highways; (3) New subsidy programs for renewable energies and energy efficiency
In 2021, the German Federal Constitutional Court declared parts of the Climate Protection Act unconstitutional because it violated the civil liberties of future generations. Germany subsequently tightened its target to -65% CO₂ by 2030. Following the watering down of the Climate Protection Act in 2024, NGOs are once again taking legal action (“future lawsuit”) for effective, generationally equitable climate protection.
We are on board
Every contribution counts -
with your one-time donation or membership
'It's getting hotter everywhere. So we're fighting everywhere: on the streets and increasingly in court. That's why we need organizations like CLAW - today more than ever!'
Luisa Neubauer is a German climate activist, climate plaintiff, author, and podcaster.
'We need clear laws and clear climate targets! Now! A new system for our children's future. We finally need climate justice! We're running out of time. Thank you, CLAW, for fighting for a livable future for future generations, for all people. For shaping reality through law.'
Lilian Klebow is an actress, moderator, and she is consistently committed to fighting the climate crisis.
'When politics and economics fail, legal action remains one of the last resorts. CLAW is one of the pioneers and a source of hope for a brighter future.'
Valerie Huber is an actress, activist, author, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
“Preserving the creation requires dedication, commitment, and a sense of responsibility. How wonderful that CLAW is working toward this goal!”
Prof. Dr. Cornelia Richter, Bishop of the Evangelical Church A.B.
“I support CLAW because we must do justice to our future. It’s a crucial lever for climate protection.”
Rudi Anschober, author, speaker, consultant
“It’s good when climate protection goals are set. It’s even better when those goals are legally binding. It’s best when those commitments can be widely enforced. That’s why I support CLAW.”
Nunu Kaller, author and activist
“I am moved by the idea that democratic agency emerges within the legal sphere. That the law is upheld through collective action. En garde!”
Kira Schinko, communications strategist
“Being in the right isn't enough. CLAW helps you get what you're entitled to.”
Hosea Ratschiller, cabaret artist
“Every climate lawsuit sparks a debate. Every lawsuit pushes boundaries. Every step counts.”
Nadja Hahn, journalist, strategist, podcaster
“Climate protection requires commitment and perseverance. CLAW strengthens rights and ensures they are upheld. This requires solidarity and reliable support from society.”
Alexander Bodmann, Caritas Director of the Archdiocese of Vienna
“Climate pollution violates our fundamental rights; climate protection is a form of legal protection. Climate lawsuits are one of the most important tools for this, and CLAW is at the center of this important work in Austria.”
Gernot Wagner, Climate Economist
“People who feel powerless in the face of the climate crisis often overlook the most effective tools. One of them is the law. That's exactly where CLAW comes in.”
Christoph Chorherr
“Climate justice and social justice go hand in hand. The consequences of the climate crisis hit those who contribute the least the hardest. Climate lawsuits help socially disadvantaged people.”
Dr. Maria Moser MTh, Director of Diakonie Austria
“I support CLAW. Climate change is already threatening the lives, health, and economic livelihoods of many people. CLAW is working to enforce climate action through the legal system, I believe this is incredibly important. Because climate rights are human rights.”
Dr. Oliver Scheiber, Lawyer
“Climate protection requires not only goals, but also binding commitments. That is exactly why CLAW needs support. They lay the groundwork to make strategic climate lawsuits possible. I support CLAW because rights only protect us if we can actually enforce them."
Edita Madita Malovčić, singer and actress
“As a winemaker, I see how the climate is changing every year. I support CLAW because climate protection must be binding, not just well-intentioned.”
Vincent Bründlmayer, winemaker
“Because big words alone don’t change anything. CLAW takes action, one lawsuit at a time. I’ve never been so aware of the democratic power of the vote that lies within these proceedings. Don’t just talk big. Be a strong voice. Thank you, CLAW!”
Claudia Novak, founder of WOMEN ON STAGE! and author
Latest
Founder
Attorney at law for climate, environmental and constitutional law
"Austria's most prominent climate lawyer" Falter, 2021
Fundamental Rights Award awarded by the League for Human Rights, 2021
Climate & environmental lawyer
Expert in environmental and climate law
Bar exam
LL.M in Global Environment and Climate Change Law
Chairman
Business management and partnerships
Entrepreneur with focus on company building & business development
Ex-Corporate Manager & Expert for New Mobility
Research Associate
Master's in Neurobiology
Co-founder of klimadashboard.at
Experience with scientific work and climate-related indicators
Campaign Management & Communication
Communications expert with extensive experience in strategic communications
Experience in campaign management, and crisis communications in the NGO sector
Social Media Manager
Bachelor's degree in journalism and communication studies
Pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental and bioresource management
Treasurer, Member of the Board
Social Scientist & Human Rights Expert
Spent ten years at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Human Rights, most recently as a Senior Researcher.
Teaching positions at the University of Vienna, the Diplomatic Academy, and Danube University Krems; expert in TWINNING projects (including Serbia, Kosovo, and Morocco).
Head of Campaigns & Engagement at FAIRTRADE Austria, focusing on human rights and the environment in global supply chains.
Deputy Chairman, Member of the Board
Lawyer & Energy Law Expert at Windkraft Österreich
Longtime Managing Director of a family-owned wind power company (2008–2021)
Member of the Supervisory Board of WK Simonsfeld
Lawyer & Legal Director (ECCHR)
Miriam Saage-Maaß is a lawyer and the Legal Director at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR). She leads the Business and Human Rights program, focusing on corporate accountability in cases of human rights violations, including labor exploitation and arms exports. She also serves on the advisory boards of several human rights organizations.
Global Managing Director & Partner, THNK School of Creative Leadership
Femke Bartels is a Dutch leader in the field of sustainability. After holding senior positions at Greenpeace, she served as Managing Director of THNK from 2016 to 2023. She combines strategic vision with extensive experience in global leadership and social change. She is the co-founder of the consulting firm Catalytic, which provides strategic advice to sustainability-oriented organizations.
Climate Economist & Senior Lecturer, Columbia Business School
Gernot Wagner is an Austrian American economist and author. He has taught and conducted research at Columbia Business School since 2022, working at New York University and Harvard University before that.
He co- authored “Climate Shock”, the Science Book of the Year 2017, with Martin L. Weitzman.
Director of Caritas Vienna & Vice-President of Caritas Austria
Alexander Bodmann studied Business Administration at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien), with a focus on Controlling. In 1997, he began working for Caritas across a range of areas. In 2004, he took over leadership of the Home Care and Nursing division. In May 2007, he became Secretary General, and in February 2023, Director of Caritas Vienna. Since February 2024, Alexander Bodmann has additionally served as Vice-President of Caritas Austria.
Advocacy Director, Climate Rights International
Lotte Leicht is a Danish jurist who specializes in international human rights and humanitarian law, international criminal law, justice for serious international crimes, and in international advocacy. She serves on the Heinrich Boell Foundation ́s North-South advisory board, and she is serving on the Foundation ́s membership board. She also serves on the board of the Danish Institute Against Torture (Dignity). Lotte Leicht was Human Rights Watch’s European Union Director from 1994 to 2021.
Ass. Prof. & Canada Research Chair in Human Rights, Health, and Environment
Founding Director of the Disability-Inclusive Climate Action Research Program, a ground-breaking initiative to generate, co-produce, and implement knowledge at the intersections of disability and climate justice. His work in the field of climate change has been cited by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Professor, European University Institute
CEO, Nordic Institute for Finance, Technology and Sustainability
Sony Kapoor is an influential macroeconomist, finance expert, development specialist and sustainability adviser with a long track-record of successfully tackling policy, business, and societal challenges. He is CEO of the Nordic Institute for Finance, Technology & Sustainability, Professor of Climate, Geoeconomics & Finance at the European University Institute, Chief Economist for Worthwhile Capital Partners and a Senior Fellow in Sustainable Macro-finance at E3G. He Chairs Re-Define, is a Trustee of Friends of Europe, and sits on several other boards.
Writer and historian
Philipp Blom studied philosophy, history, and Jewish studies in Vienna and Oxford. He writes regularly for European and American magazines and newspapers. He is the host of his podcast Blomcast. He has received numerous awards, including a fellowship at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles, the Premis Internacionals Terenci Moix, and the German Non-Fiction Prize.
CLAW
FAQs
Climate cases are legal actions aimed at enforcing stronger climate protection. They target governments, corporations, or institutions and can push for more ambitious climate goals, stop environmentally harmful projects, or expose greenwashing. Their common core: using the law to fight the climate crisis.
Climate cases matter now more than ever because, in times of political instability and growing democratic crises, they serve as a clear instrument of justice. They are a safeguard against the erosion of democracy and a direct means of addressing the climate crisis, independent of political or economic interests.
Climate cases have proven political, economic, and legal impact. The IPCC’s 2022 report shows that they can push governments to adopt more ambitious climate targets and implement stronger measures. According to the Grantham Research Institute, climate cases also put pressure on corporations: cases against companies like Shell and BP have led to stock losses and increased caution around greenwashing.
Even cases that don’t succeed in court can make a difference. They draw attention, raise public awareness of the climate crisis, and set new legal and social precedents. Landmark rulings, such as Urgenda in the Netherlands, Neubauer et al. in Germany, and the Klimaseniorinnen case in Switzerland, show how courts can compel governments to take concrete climate action.
We use strategic climate cases to turn promises into action, making climate protection enforceable, not optional. In times of uncertainty and political hesitation, the law provides something rare: clarity, accountability, and real results.
Our cases give people a concrete way to stand up for what matters: security, fairness, and a healthy environment for the future. Those already feeling the impact of the climate crisis gain a voice and a tool to demand justice.
We stand for effective climate protection with a systematic approach. We identify specific problems, develop practical solutions, and enforce them through the power of law. In this way, climate justice is achieved step by step.
CLAW exists because many people believe that climate protection can be won in court. Our work is funded by donations from individuals and organizations who stand with us. To remain independent and effective, we are deliberately building a broad and stable financial base.
Because climate cases are a marathon and it’s one we can only win together.
The Aarhus status formally recognises CLAW as an environmental organisation under the Aarhus Convention. It grants CLAW formal participation rights in environmentally relevant permitting procedures. In practice, this means CLAW can access project documents, submit expert and legal statements, raise objections, and review whether projects comply with environmental and climate protection law. If legal requirements are not met, CLAW can also challenge decisions before the courts.
Climate cases aren’t an easy path, but it works. Every challenge shows where persistence is needed to make climate cases possible and to turn sufficient climate protection into reality.