The Evolving Landscape of Climate Litigation: U.S. and Global Perspectives

For Climate Week NYC, we’re bringing together leading voices in climate litigation for a conversation on where the field stands and where it’s headed.

The first panel examines the U.S. landscape, where courts are confronting an escalating set of disputes, from state and municipal claims against fossil fuel companies to federal efforts to preempt state-level litigation and address deregulation under the Trump administration.  

The second panel turns to global developments, exploring how courts around the world are applying international human rights and climate obligations, and what happens when litigation succeeds — from implementation to lasting impact.

A coffee break between panels will offer time for informal discussion among speakers and attendees.

This event is hosted in partnership with the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law.

This is a hybrid event, and registration is required.

Register here to attend virtually. Register here to attend in person.

The Evolving Landscape of Climate Litigation: U.S. and Global Perspectives 

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm EDT

U.S. Panel: 9:30am-10:30am

Coffee break: 10:30am-11:00am

Global Panel: 11:00am-12:00pm

Location: Carter/Evarts Room, New York City Bar Association, 42 W. 44th St., New York

U.S. Panel: Speakers

• Bethany Davis, Visiting Assistant Professor, Vermont Law and Graduate School
• Katrina Fischer Kuh, Haub Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
• Skye L. Perryman, President and CEO, Democracy Forward
• Sambhav (Sam) Sankar, Senior Vice President of Programs, Earthjustice

Moderator: Michael Burger, Executive Director, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

Global Panel: Speakers

• Elaine Johnson, Director, Johnson Legal Pty Ltd / Australian Environmental Lawyers
• Lucy Maxwell, Co-Director, Climate Litigation Network
• Florencia Ortúzar, Director, Climate Program, Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA)
• Nikki Reisch, Director, Climate & Energy Programs, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)

Moderator: Dr. Maria Antonia Tigre, Director, Global Climate Litigation, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

Introduction: Susan Kath, Director, Environment Program; Associate Executive Director, Vance Center

Registration

This is a hybrid event with options to attend in person in New York City or virtually via Zoom. Please register using the appropriate link:

Register here to attend in-person

Register here to attend virtually