| The story of David and Goliath is an enduring one, but rarely are there conflicts in which it's possible to say that all humans can be counted as David. In the fight against further climate catastrophe, that's where we are, and it will take ingenuity, resourcefulness, and persistence to beat the giant foe. In one particular fight against climate change, a Guyanese lawyer is mounting what may be the first lawsuit based on the future harms that result from oil drilling. This David-versus-Goliath story, reported here by Antonia Juhasz, recounts Melinda Janki's journey—from BP lawyer to intrepid architect of Guyana's environmental laws to taking Exxon Mobil (and her government) to court, arguing "that oil development is fundamentally incompatible with human health and a sustainable environment." The lawsuit primarily hinges on the court's interpretation of a Guyanese constitutional provision that confers upon present and future Guyanese citizens "the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well-being." Thirty years ago, in an amazing flash of foresight, Janki helped write it. The outcome of the case will be one to watch. But, as Juhausz contends, whether Janki wins in court or not, her case has already had an impact. Guyanese citizens are increasingly outspoken against the oil operations, which will transform the country from a carbon sink into a carbon bomb. The United Nations recently declared that the right to a healthy environment extends to all its member states. To all those who feel like we're outmatched in the fight to stop the world's major polluters and thereby mitigate the effects of climate change, this impressively reported and finely told story is for you. —Matthew McKnight | Features Editor |
