The Future of Climate Litigation Worldwide and Best Practices for Brazil

The Future of Climate Litigation Worldwide and Best Practices for Brazil Official Side Event at the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81), Science Summit & Climate Week NYC 2026 As courts worldwide increasingly become critical arenas for enforcing environmental commitments and constitutional rights, judicial and academic institutions play a pivotal role in shaping qualified, science-aligned climate jurisprudence. Co-hosted by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law (Columbia University), the University of São Paulo (USP), the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), the National Environmental Forum of the Judiciary (FONAMB/CNJ), and the Law for a Green Planet Institute (IDPV), this symposium convenes prominent international and Brazilian jurists, academic leaders, and UN representatives for a focused dialogue on global litigation benchmarks and their practical implementation in Latin America. Featured Agenda and Speakers: Keynote Address: Prof. Michael Gerrard (Faculty Director, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School) on The Evolution of Global Climate Change Litigation. Distinguished Address: Justice Luís Roberto Barroso (Former Chief Justice, Supreme Federal Court of Brazil – STF) on Constitutional Frameworks and Environmental Protection in Brazil (Virtual), preceded by a special introduction and solidarity tribute delivered by Prof. Michael Gerrard. Judicial & Multilateral Panel: Prof. Christina Voigt (University of Oslo / Chair, IUCN WCEL) on The Protection of the Climate System in International Law (Virtual); Justice Paulo Sérgio Domingues (Justice, Superior Court of Justice of Brazil – STJ) on The STJ and the Protection of the Climate System in Brazil; Judge Ilan Presser (Federal Judge, CNJ Councilor & President of FONAMB) on The CNJ and the Role of the Judiciary in the Era of Climate Change; Judge Gabriel Wedy (Federal Judge & Professor of Climate Law, PUCRS) on Climate Litigation in the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil; Prof. Patrícia Iglecias (Chief Sustainability Officer, SGA-USP) on How Academia in Brazil Can Contribute to Qualified Climate Litigation; Prof. Ingo Sarlet (Full Professor of Constitutional Law, PUCRS & IDP) on Brazilian Climate Constitutionalism; Ms. Martina Müller (UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – UNDRR) on Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction: Perspectives from the UN. Panel Moderation: Caroline Marques Jorge Santos, PhD (FDUSP / Iglecias Advogados). Event Logistics: Date & Time: September 23, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (EDT / GMT-4) Location: Columbia Law School — William & June Warren Hall (Room L107) Address: 1125 Amsterdam Ave. (Corner of 115th St.), New York, NY 10027 Format: In-person symposium with select virtual keynote participation (~40 guests; pre-registration required).