Youth Climate Activist Claire Vlases Accepts TIME Earth Award After Major Legal Victory

TIME

Climate activist Claire Vlases received the Earth Award from TIME on Tuesday after the 20-year-old helped secure victory in a landmark climate case earlier this year.

Transcript

00:00 Tonight, I get to recognize a group of young people who are tackling climate change.

00:05 They sued the state of Montana, demanding their right to a clean and safe environment.

00:11 And here's the thing, they actually won.

00:14 And this decision could be the first of many.

00:18 These 16 young Planktists, including activist Claire Blassaz, haven't just won a court case.

00:24 They have proven that it doesn't matter what age you are, if you want to see change in

00:29 the world, you can make it happen.

00:31 I'm so happy to introduce Claire and hand her the Earth Award on behalf of all 16 of

00:38 the Montana Planktists.

00:40 Please welcome Claire Blassaz.

00:45 Thank you, Time, for this incredible recognition.

00:49 I am honored to accept the Earth Award as one of 16 youth Planktists in the first ever

00:57 constitutional climate trial in US history.

01:08 Held versus state of Montana.

01:11 Last June, we went to trial to hold our state government accountable for their actions in

01:18 contributing to the climate crisis.

01:21 My fellow Planktists and I relived our experiences with climate change related events in Montana,

01:29 such as fires, floods, and droughts.

01:34 We took the stand to protect our land, our homes, and our families.

01:41 I surprised myself when testifying because the change felt real and tangible.

01:49 We were heard by the court, by the Montanans who bore witness to our testimony, and by

01:55 the world.

01:58 In August, in a historic first, the court ruled wholly in our favor, declaring that

02:04 Montana's laws promoting fossil fuels violate our constitutional rights to equal protection,

02:12 to dignity, to liberty, health and safety, and a clean and healthful environment.

02:20 This landmark decision requires Montana government agencies to consider their role in climate

02:26 change.

02:28 It also sets a precedent internationally for similar youth-led climate litigation.

02:35 Receiving this award is a testament to the unwavering commitment of all young people

02:40 taking climate action, not just the 16 of us in Montana.

02:46 To those who are tirelessly advocating for a safer future, this award is validation.

02:54 Our voices matter.

02:56 Our passions and actions result in justice.

03:01 Change is happening.

03:04 It is my hope that in this coming year, we surprise ourselves.

03:12 We ought to awe ourselves by going beyond the expectations for which we can be a giver,

03:19 a leader, a supporter, a listener, and an activist.

03:27 Surprise yourself and your actions.

03:32 We'll surprise the world.

03:35 Thank you, time.

03:38 And thank you for the legal support from Our Children's Trust, a nonprofit that represents

03:42 young people like me around the world seeking climate justice.

03:46 Lastly, thank you to my fellow plaintiffs who continue to inspire and show resilience,

03:53 courage, dedication, and a willingness to be vulnerable, especially when sharing difficult

03:59 stories with the court and the world about how we have been impacted by climate change.

04:05 Young people are demanding climate justice, and we will not stop until we secure it for

04:11 everyone, everywhere.

04:15 Thank you.

04:16 [APPLAUSE]

04:16 (audience applauding)

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