Civil Liability for Climate Change Damage

Abstract

Climate change has evolved from a predominantly environmental concern into a complex legal issue involving accountability for transboundary harm, economic loss, and human rights violations. Rising global temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ecological degradation increasingly generate tangible damages affecting infrastructure, livelihoods, public health, and ecosystems. Traditional public international law and regulatory frameworks have struggled to impose enforceable obligations on states and corporations, leading affected communities to seek remedies through civil liability mechanisms. This study examines the evolving legal basis for holding states, corporations, and other actors financially and legally responsible for climate-related damage. It analyzes doctrinal developments in tort law, nuisance, negligence, strict liability, and emerging climate litigation trends across jurisdictions. The research highlights how causation challenges, attribution science, and jurisdictional barriers complicate claims, yet judicial innovation and human rights approaches are expanding possibilities for compensation. Using qualitative legal analysis supported by comparative case review, the paper evaluates the effectiveness of civil liability in delivering justice and deterrence. The findings suggest that while civil liability alone cannot resolve the climate crisis, it plays a crucial complementary role by internalizing environmental costs, promoting corporate accountability, and encouraging policy reform. The study concludes that clearer legal standards, improved scientific evidence integration, and international cooperation are necessary to strengthen civil remedies for climate damage.