A group of children sued the Alaskan government and Gov. William M. Walker, claiming the state’s climate and energy policies, which plaintiffs say are pro-oil, are exacerbating climate change where they live. They contend the damages are increasing far more rapidly in the Far North than elsewhere in the world. They allege violations of their rights under the state constitution. The state supreme court held a hearing in October challenging a lower court’s dismissal of the case as nonjusticiable. No decision has yet been rendered.

Read our related cover story: “Lawyers are unleashing a flurry of lawsuits to step up the fight against climate change”