Climate change and air polution law

We lead legal action on climate change, challenging the Government to meet Paris Agreement targets and urging local authorities to consider the climate impact of everyday decisions.

Our litigation aligns with clients’ campaigning goals, using the law to drive faster climate adaptation and mitigation. Notable cases include opposing Heathrow expansion and the Government’s planning policy on fracking.

We are also pushing for stronger action on air pollution, arguing in court that the Government must better use its powers under UK and EU environmental laws to protect public health.

What is climate change law?
Climate change law covers policies and legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. It applies to businesses, government projects, and local operations, and can be used by individuals and NGOs to bring legal challenges when not followed.

The UK's Climate Change Act 2008 sets legally binding carbon reduction targets, including achieving Net Zero by 2050. It requires five-yearly carbon budgets, ongoing policy planning, and supports frameworks like emissions trading.

Key areas of climate change litigation:

• Road and airport expansion

• Fossil fuel extraction and overseas investments

• Oil spills and toxic waste dumping

• Water and air pollution

How Leigh Day supports climate action:
Our team uses expert knowledge and research to bring legal challenges that align with clients’ campaigning priorities. We’ve led high-profile cases against Heathrow expansion, HS2, and the UK’s Net Zero Strategy. We also challenge fossil fuel projects and policies that hinder renewable energy.

We act for campaigners targeting emissions trading loopholes, such as the exclusion of waste incineration, and policies promoting shale gas.

Air pollution law and our work:
Air pollution causes over £20 billion in annual health and economic damage in the UK. Key legislation includes:

• Environment Act 2021 – sets air quality targets

• Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 – mandates action to meet pollutant limits

• Environment Act 1995 – requires local authority action plans

We challenge developments and policies that worsen air quality, pushing for stronger national and local responses.

Helping those affected by pollution:
Leigh Day represents individuals and communities harmed by environmental degradation. Our work often secures compensation and drives systemic changes, improving local environments and contributing to global sustainability.

The Leigh Day environmental law team remains at the forefront of climate change litigation in the UK, holding the Government to account for its legal responsibilities under the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Paris Agreement.

Our lawyers have been instrumental in several of the most high-profile climate change cases over the last few years, testing the legal boundaries for meeting net zero and carbon budgets.

Protecting the interests of the public

Our cases often achieve compensation for the individual and demonstrable improvements to the wider systems governing resource extraction, benefitting the local environment and our planet in the long-term.