Powerful New Tool for Environmental Activists: What the World’s Top Court Ruling Means for Canada’s Climate Change Efforts Under the PC Government

Big news for environmentalists! The world’s top court has confirmed that climate change is a major threat to human rights. On July 23, 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that countries must meet their climate commitments to avoid breaking international law. This ruling emphasizes that neglecting climate responsibilities can lead to legal consequences, including financial penalties.

The ICJ’s president, Yūji Iwasawa, explained that inaction on greenhouse gas emissions can be seen as a wrongful act by nations. This decision is a game changer. It gives people and groups a stronger argument in climate litigation, meaning countries could be held accountable for their contributions to climate change.

Mary Robinson, a former UN human rights chief, described the ruling as a powerful tool for justice. Activists, like Danilo Garrido from Greenpeace, expressed excitement that the court’s opinion could lead to more legal cases against polluters. This ruling is particularly relevant for marginalized communities who often bear the brunt of environmental harm.

This decision wasn’t made overnight. It took six years to get to this point, spurred by youth activists demanding climate justice. Notably, a law student from the Solomon Islands, Cynthia Houniuhi, was instrumental in bringing the case to light, motivated by witnessing climate impacts on her island home.

In 2019, a group of Pacific students rallied to get the government of Vanuatu to present a case to the ICJ. The court received an overwhelming response, with over 100 statements and 91 written submissions from various groups worldwide. This showcases how global concern about climate change has grown.

The ICJ ruling aligns with alarming statistics. Earth Overshoot Day for 2025 fell on July 24, meaning that humanity has consumed its yearly ecological resources in just over half a year. This is a wake-up call. The ICJ urged that countries need to work together to protect our climate, warning that isolated efforts are ineffective.

Some governments, like Canada, argued they were only obliged to follow the Paris Agreement. However, the ICJ clarified that broader international treaties also apply. This could strengthen ongoing climate litigation, especially in Canada, where young activists are already holding the government accountable for inadequate climate actions.

One major case in Canada, the Mathur case, argues that government inaction on climate change violates the rights of youth under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. With the ICJ’s backing, these activists have a new legal foundation to stand on.

The ruling also stresses that individual state emissions can lead to international harm. This means a country could potentially be held liable for its greenhouse gas emissions affecting others, especially if it’s proven that these emissions directly contribute to climate harm elsewhere.

As we look at Ontario’s current policies, there are concerning trends. After feeling like a leader in emission reductions just a few years ago, Ontario has shifted towards more fossil fuel reliance. Emissions from the province are rising, and discussions around building nuclear plants have unfolded amid decreased interest in renewable energy sources. With hydro and wind energy production at a standstill, critics, including environmental groups, are calling for a shift towards more sustainable, community-driven energy solutions. Recent reports highlight that Ontario has not contracted any new wind or solar power in the last seven years, even as global demand for these technologies surges.

In contrast, the UN recently stated that renewable energy is on an upward trajectory. By 2024, 74% of new global electricity generation came from renewables. It’s clear the world is transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and laws must follow suit. The ICJ ruling urges countries to align their actions with the mandates for sustainable development and human rights.

This moment is about holding governments accountable and ensuring a safe future for our planet. The decision signals a shift in international law, providing all nations the impetus they need to act against the climate crisis, before it’s too late.

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