A group of 13 young climate activists stood up for Hawaii’s environment—and won big! They reached a groundbreaking court settlement with the state earlier this year.

The students, many of them teens, filed the lawsuit in 2022. They argued that the state’s transportation department was violating their right under Hawaii’s constitution to “a clean and healthful environment” by being a major contributor of greenhouse gases.

Burning fossil fuels like gasoline and oil to power cars and other forms of transportation releases those gases into the atmosphere. Scientists say the gases trap the sun’s heat close to Earth, increasing the planet’s average temperature.

As part of the settlement, Hawaii officials must create a plan to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all state transportation by 2045. They must also expand bike paths and install charging stations for electric vehicles. 

Navahine F., 16, one of the plaintiffs, hopes the victory will inspire other teens. “Young people have the power to make a difference for their futures,” she says. 

—Lisa M. Herrington