Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH)

Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) is a German environmental organization known for its advocacy and legal actions related to environmental protection. They are currently in the news due to their unsuccessful climate lawsuits against German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz. DUH sought to prohibit the manufacturers from selling new combustion engine vehicles after November 2030, arguing it was necessary for climate protection. However, the Bundesgerichtshof (BGH), Germany's Federal Court of Justice, rejected their appeal, upholding previous rulings against DUH in lower courts. This decision highlights the ongoing debate about the role of courts versus political bodies in setting climate policy and the challenges environmental organizations face in achieving their goals through litigation.