Lawyers representing youth climate activists say the Canadian government has a legal duty to protect its natural resources. (Ben Nelms/CBC)Climate change poses a threat to these public resources; therefore, the federal government has an obligation to minimize its emissions, he argued. Public trust doctrines are historical in origin but have been established in modern justice systems, including the United States. Canada has not formally recognized the public trust doctrine but it has been discussed in several high-profile cases. Cheng argued the plaintiffs' case was not 'justiciable,' meaning that it falls well beyond what the courts can meaningfully adjudicate.

Source: CBC News October 01, 2020 22:30 UTC