A climate scientist has told Canada’s first youth-led climate trial that the country has exceeded its fair share of carbon emissions.
Kirsten Zickfeld of Simon Fraser University says Canada’s remaining carbon budget is effectively zero or negative.
Fifteen young people are suing the federal government, arguing its climate policies violate their constitutional rights.
Zickfeld says science can set emissions targets, but policy decisions determine how those targets are reached.
Sadie Vipond told the trial in Vancouver on Tuesday that climate change has been part of her life since childhood, including during Calgary’s devastating 2013 floods, and has taken a toll on her mental health.
Another plaintiff, Sophia Sidarous, says environmental changes are making it harder for Indigenous people to maintain cultural practices and gather traditional foods and plants.
The group argues the federal government’s climate approach violates their constitutional rights.
The court will to hear more testimony.
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