Heatwave Worsens Condition, Austrian Man Sues Government for Inadequate Climate Change Response

VIENNA (CNA, Vienna, June 6, Combined Foreign Reports) - The recent heatwave that has swept across Europe has exacerbated the condition of an Austrian man suffering from multiple sclerosis, forcing him to use a wheelchair. Consequently, he is suing the government for insufficient action in combating climate change.

According to Agence France-Presse, Mex Muellner, in his 40s, suffers from multiple sclerosis and exhibits Uhthoff's phenomenon (also known as heat sensitivity), where his neurological symptoms worsen when his body temperature rises.

Muellner filed a lawsuit against Austria with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in 2021. This is one of several climate justice lawsuits being heard by the European court and could become one of the most influential cases.

As heatwaves recently swept across Europe, breaking high-temperature records in many places, Muellner told Agence France-Presse: "The government should do more, and could have done more." He pointed out that his lawsuit would help others facing similar difficulties.

When temperatures rise, Muellner, a former energy consultant living in a small town in Lower Austria, finds his life almost at a standstill. When the temperature reaches 25 degrees Celsius, his mobility deteriorates, making it impossible to walk. Above 30 degrees Celsius, he is almost completely paralyzed and has to use an electric wheelchair.

Muellner explained that for patients with multiple sclerosis, hot weather slows down nerve conduction, "so the signals cannot reach the muscles, and I cannot perform the actions I want to do."

In his lawsuit, Muellner argues that Austria has not taken sufficient legislative measures to limit global warming and protect vulnerable groups like himself.

His lawyer, Michaela Kroemer, stated that if the court rules in his favor, he would be the first individual recognized by the court as a direct victim of climate change. (Compiled by Hong Pei-ying) 1150706

Stand with the facts, your every sponsorship is a force to protect the freedom of the press

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates

The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.