About

Background on the KlimaSeniorinnen

The KlimaSeniorinnen are not just deeply affected by the climate emergency — they are courageously challenging those responsible for it. Ten years ago, they formed an association and took legal action “because everything we hold dear is at stake.” In April 2024, they made history when the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Switzerland had violated their right to a healthy private and family life by failing to introduce climate protection measures.

Their victory has since become a crucial reference point for confronting the climate crisis — not only in courts, but in movement, political and advocacy spaces across Europe and beyond. Together with a global coalition of changemakers, they demand climate justice for all generations, and insist that ambitious climate action is not a request — it is a right.

Meet the KlimaSeniorinnen


Norma Bargetzi — Former psychoanalyst, based in Cassina d’Agno (TI). Co-founder of AvaEva, a movement connecting women of the grandmothers’ generation.
Stefanie Brander — Graduate in French literature and philosophy; former equality officer at the Universities of Bern and Lausanne. “There is still a lot of work to be done.”
Pia Hollenstein — Former nurse and vocational healthcare teacher; former Green Party parliamentarian. “There is an urgent need for action in parliaments and governments!”