People’s Court for Climate Trials

«How can we effectively demand justice and accountability for the climate crisis?»

The People’s Court for Climate Trials (PCCT) is an adaptable format blending discourse and performance, dedicated to the strategy of environmental litigation. Inspired by the artistic tribunal, it convenes international climate litigants suing governments or corporations—entities whose actions have worsened the climate crisis and violated human rights, environmental law, or international treaties.

The PCCT seeks to amplify synergies, expand networks, and reactivate alliances, while showcasing actionable ways to address the climate crisis despite often stagnant political responses. It renders the strategies and progress of climate litigation accessible, examining them from legal, journalistic, civil society, and artistic perspectives. Additionally, the PCCT fosters collaboration among actors fighting for ecological and planetary justice.

A prototype of the PCCT was developed for Hebbel am Ufer Theatre (HAU) in Berlin and premiered in November 2025 as part of the festival «On Planetary Justice». Participants included medico international and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), with keynote contributions from activists like Abdul Mufeez Shaheed and Luisa Neubauer, climate journalists such as Svenja Beller, and legal experts like Miriam Saage-Maaß.

The PCCT operates within the ecosystems of artistic climate crisis negotiations and international climate activism. It can be hosted at climate or politically oriented festivals, conferences, universities, or protest camps. Synergies with other program participants or events are encouraged and can be integrated conceptually. Adaptations for museums or galleries are possible, provided the tribunal’s character is preserved.

Interested in hosting the PCCT?
Contact us for the PCCT Dossier and Tech Rider, or to discuss tailored adaptations.

PCCT at HAU Berlin Programme Details Berlin Final Declaration

Featured Cases: Climate Cost Case (medico international) Pakistani Farmers vs. RWE & Heidelberg Materials (ECCHR) Swiss Senior Women for Climate Protection Philippine Commission on Human Rights (PISFCC) Greenpeace’s Future Lawsuit (Zukunftsklage) Call for Climate Justice

Initial idea, concept, and dramaturgy:
Petra Poelzl, Margarita Tsomou, Laro Bogan