Small Steps to an Ultimate Victory: A Reflection on Genesis v. EPA
I was 16 years old when I sued the federal government for the first time. As a plaintiff in Genesis v. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), I joined 17 other young Californians in 2023 to challenge our government’s role in intentionally allowing life-threatening levels of fossil fuel climate pollution and discriminating against us as children by discounting the value of our lives and future when deciding how much pollution to allow, violating our constitutional rights. Our case joined a relatively small (but ever-growing) collection of other cases, many of which were also brought forward by Our Children’s Trust, focused on the fundamental rights of young people in the face of the climate crisis.
Meet Emma Weibel: The Young Californian Defending Her State’s Right to Regulate Climate Pollution
At 18 years old, Emma Weibel has already spent years advocating for climate justice. Raised in San Diego, California, Emma is now studying environmental social sciences and human rights through the dual degree program between Sciences Po in France and UC Berkeley. A former plaintiff in Genesis v. EPA, Emma is continuing her fight for young people’s constitutional rights as the lead youth intervenor in U.S. Department of Transportation v. California Air Resources Board (CARB).
California Youth Argue Their Constitutional Climate Case Before the Ninth Circuit
On March 5th, 2026, eighteen California children and youth appeared before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to argue their constitutional climate case, Genesis v. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During oral arguments, they asked the Court to reverse a lower court dismissal that prevented them from presenting evidence at trial showing how EPA’s policies discriminate against children in regulating climate pollution.
Be present. Bear witness. Show that children’s lives matter.
Last week, the wind outside my house reached nearly 60 miles per hour. The rain was loud. The thunder was close. Storms like that are not normal for this time of year where I live in Los Angeles. A few weeks ago, it was cold. Soon it will be extremely hot. This is what it feels like to be young right now: unpredictable, uncertain, and a little frightening.
My name is Genesis. I am 19 years old, Afro-Indigenous and Mexican, and I have spent most of my life standing up for my community, for myself, and for our planet.
This Young Californian is Fighting to Protect Children’s Rights in Equal Protection, Constitutional Climate Suit, Genesis v. EPA
Noah is one of 18 young plaintiffs in the landmark climate lawsuit, Genesis v. EPA seeking to hold the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accountable for violating their fundamental constitutional rights to equal protection of the law and their fundamental rights to life by allowing life-threatening levels of fossil fuel climate pollution.
From Calvin Ball to Climate Crisis: A Genesis Plaintiff’s Plea for Change
I love my city, but I don’t know how much my city loves me. I’m a young person of color and I don’t feel seen by leaders. Being Muslim and female already makes it harder to be listened to. Being young and not even of voting age, compounds my ability to make a difference and even be seen or listened to.
For Children Being Discriminated by EPA, Volunteering and Activism Isn’t Enough
I joined Genesis v. EPA as a youth plaintiff because I see the climate crisis worsening right before my eyes, and it scares me. I know that my health and quality of life will be increasingly harmed as fossil fuel pollution continues, and I want to have equal rights to adults, and past generations when it comes to the livability of our climate and my home community.
Genesis v. EPA Youth Plaintiff Dives into Climate Impacts and Why Taking Legal Action is Important to Him
In a Q&A session, Avroh describes how the climate crisis is impacting him both physically and mentally, outlines his goals for the lawsuit, and reflects on his experience during his first court hearing. He also offers a message to other young people who feel hopeless amid the crisis.