THE FUTURE IS GREEN: THE GREENER LITIGATION PLEDGE

A high volume of disputes has arisen relating to climate change over the last few years. As many individuals directed their attention to the effects of climate change, the number of legal cases related to this field has more than doubled over the last five years. Now, more than ever, people are fighting to ensure the Government has a greener initiative in mind whilst looking into and creating policies and legal reforms.

The Greener Litigation Pledge was launched on 28 June 2021 and calls for more firms to cooperate in this revolutionary new outlook on the legal sector in collaboration with a climate change initiative. This pledge recognises the importance of limiting global warming to 1.5°C as well as the responsibilities we need to partake in to reduce the carbon footprint whilst 'always maintaining and promoting the highest justice and client service standards'.

This pledge is the first step to put into place and ensure that we are minimising the environmental impacts of dispute resolution by reducing international travel and printing documentations. So, electronic correspondence has been deemed a priority, but lawyers should be 'mindful that email has a carbon footprint'. As well, international travel is being replaced by video call conferencing. The avoidance of unnecessary printing should also be complied with.

Meanwhile, an array of UK lawyers embrace the changes the world faces in this current age. The Greener Litigation Pledge is a significant commitment that firms may be undertaking, but the greater good is carried out. Several firms such as Allen & Overy, HFW and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer have already acknowledged and complied with this pledge. Therefore, many companies understand the importance, socially and economically, of this pledge and its potential significant effects upon a brighter and greener future for all.