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Why Two Ex-Surgeons General Support the ‘Juliana 21’ Climate Lawsuit [nytimes.com]

 

Richard Carmona and David Satcher, NY Times, June 3, 2019.

In 2015, 21 young people from around the country and various walks of life sued the federal government over its role in creating a “dangerous climate system” that violates their right to an environment “capable of sustaining human life.” The Trump administration has sought to have the case dismissed, and on Tuesday, a three-judge panel of the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is scheduled to take up the question of whether it can proceed.

As former surgeons general of the United States, we were responsible for providing Americans with the best scientific information on how to improve their health and protect against illness and injury. Because climate change represents a profound threat to the public’s well-being, we support the Juliana 21, named after the lead plaintiff, and believe their case should go to trial.

Even in this time of deep social and political division, individuals of good will can agree on certain fundamental premises. Investment in public health is one of them. The country has eliminated polio, reduced cancer death rates and raised life expectancy over time. Now, as the country faces the potentially catastrophic consequences of climate change, the country needs to understand the public health implications of a warming climate.

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