SUDBURY—In a resounding win for climate action, Sudbury’s own Sophia Mathur and six other young climate activists have succeeded in securing a new hearing in their legal battle against Ontario’s weak climate targets. The Ontario Court of Appeal has overturned an April 2024 decision dismissing their case, ordering that the issues be reconsidered through a more appropriate analytical framework. The October 17 ruling is being celebrated as a major victory for youth-led climate advocacy, setting the stage for renewed scrutiny of the province’s climate policies.
Sophia Mathur, who was just 12 years old when the case was first launched in 2019, expressed elation over the court’s decision. “This ruling gives me hope that our voices are being heard,” she said during a press conference following the announcement. We need to stand up for the generations to come and make sure they have a safe, livable planet. Our case has the potential to make a real difference in how Ontario addresses climate change.”
The original lawsuit, Mathur et al. v. His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario, was filed by the seven youth plaintiffs with the support of Ecojustice and Stockwoods LLP. It challenged Ontario’s 2018 decision to weaken the province’s emissions reduction targets, a move that allowed an additional 200 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The youth argued that the provincial government’s climate policies violated their rights to life, security, and equality under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
In its decision, the Court of Appeal rejected Ontario’s argument that ruling in favor of the activists would constitute judicial overreach into policymaking. Instead, the court clarified that a declaratory order could direct the government to correct a Charter violation without dictating specific policy solutions. The ruling also highlighted the existence of “clear international standards based on accepted scientific consensus” to guide what a constitutionally compliant climate plan should look like.
Fraser Thomson, a lawyer with Ecojustice who represents the youth, described the ruling as a beacon of hope for climate action in Canada. “With this decision, these seven young Ontarians have proven just how crucial youth voices are in the fight against climate change. Their victory is a significant moment in Canadian climate litigation and puts governments nationwide on notice.”
The timeline:
2018: Ontario’s newly elected government rolled back the province’s climate targets, setting a weaker goal of a 30 percent reduction in emissions below 2005 levels by 2030—well below scientific recommendations.
2019: The youth activists launched their legal challenge, seeking a climate target that aligns with international scientific standards to prevent catastrophic impacts.
2020: The case survived an attempt by Ontario to dismiss it, marking the first time a Canadian court acknowledged climate change as a potential Charter rights issue
2022: The lawsuit was dismissed by the Ontario Superior Court, despite acknowledging flaws in the province’s climate target.
2024: On October 17, the Ontario Court of Appeal ordered a new hearing, stating that the previous court’s analysis failed to fully consider the Charter implications of the climate target.
Ms. Mathur’s role in this historic case places Sudbury on the map as a hub for youth-led climate activism. Her dedication to climate justice extends beyond the courtroom, as she continues to participate in local initiatives to raise awareness about climate change. Her courage and persistence are inspiring young people across the city and the country to advocate for a more sustainable future.
Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre praised Ms. Mathur’s efforts, saying, “Sophia and her fellow activists have shown the power of young voices in demanding urgent climate action. This ruling is a step forward not just for Ontario, but for every community that cares about the environment and the future we are leaving for our children.”
This landmark ruling also aligns with a broader trend in global climate litigation, where courts in countries such as Germany, Colombia, and the Netherlands have recognized the existential threat of climate change and its impact on human rights. The United Nations Environmental Programme and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law have reported a surge in climate lawsuits worldwide, with the number of cases more than tripling since 2017. Between July 2020 and December 2022 alone, over 630 new lawsuits were filed globally.
The Ontario Court of Appeal’s ruling sends a powerful message: governments must take climate change seriously and adopt policies that protect the well-being of current and future generations. As extreme weather events continue to intensify, the need for bold, science-based climate action has never been clearer.
The Ontario government will now face heightened scrutiny over whether its climate policies meet Charter standards. The youth plaintiffs, strengthened by this legal victory, are determined to continue pushing for an ambitious climate target that aligns with scientific recommendations and upholds the rights of all Ontarians.
With the new hearing set to unfold, Ms. Mathur and her peers remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. “We’re not done yet,” Ms. Mathur said. “This fight isn’t just for us—it’s for everyone who believes in a safe and livable planet.”
This ruling marks a pivotal moment for climate action in Sudbury and beyond, affirming the power of youth-led movements to drive meaningful change. As Sophia Mathur and her fellow activists gear up for the next phase of their legal battle, they are not just challenging Ontario’s climate policies; they are shaping the future of climate justice in Canada.
