Italian Supreme Court has ruled that the suits of climate change to protect the people’s human rights in the country can be heard by judges.

The landmark decision also supports the appeal case filed in June 2024 by 12 Italian citizens, Greenpeace Italy, and ReCommon against energy giant ENI.

Others in the suits also include the main shareholders, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), and Cassa Depositi ePrestiti S.p.A. (CDP), Italy’s development bank.

“The Supreme Court establishes unequivocally that no one is above the law and that the interests of Big Oil cannot outweigh the rights of people to have their health and safety protected by courts. The protection of the fundamental human rights of citizens threatened by the climate emergency is above any other prerogative. Climate justice is now a key concern for Italy’s courts,” Greenpeace Italy and ReCommon said. 

The ruling by the Italian’s apex court of Cassation will significantly influence current and future climate lawsuits in the country. 

It is also expected to protect climate-related human rights already recognised by the European Court of Human Rights.

The lawsuit against ENI, CDP and MEF, seeking redress for current and future damages resulting from climate change, will now continue before the Court of Rome.

In May 2023, the 12 Italian citizens and the two organisations filed a civil lawsuit against ENI, the MEF, and CDP.

The plaintiffs sought redress for current and future damages resulting in climate change, to which the Italian oil and gas giant has knowingly and significantly contributed over the decades. 

However, ENI, CDP, and MEF contested the authority of Italian courts to hear the case, arguing that climate lawsuits were not justiciable in Italy.