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National Observer
a day ago
- Politics
- National Observer
Landmark court ruling a stark rebuke of Canadian position on climate change
A landmark finding from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday is reshaping international law by confirming that countries are legally bound to slash carbon pollution or risk paying billions in compensation to communities bearing the brunt of climate change. David Boyd, an associate professor with the University of British Columbia and former UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, told Canada's National Observer those findings 'should send shivers down the spine' of the fossil fuel industry and governments that support it. 'It's the clearest statement we've had from an international court that we have to get off fossil fuels,' he said. While the advisory opinion itself is non-binding, it is an authoritative statement on international laws which are binding on countries including Canada. 'Failure of the state to take appropriate action to protect the climate system from GHG emissions including through fossil fuel production, fossil fuel consumption, the granting of fossil fuel exploration licenses, or the provision of fossil fuel subsidies may constitute an internationally wrongful act which is attributable to that state,' Judge Iwasawa Yuji said Wednesday as he read the court's advisory opinion. The ICJ findings mean that countries' legal obligations to respond to climate change reach further than their duties under climate treaties like the Paris Agreement, reflecting a strong rebuke of Canada's position. At the hearings in December, Ottawa argued that countries' obligations to respond to climate change start and end with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, agreed to in 1992 and 2015 respectively. The UN framework convention broadly commits countries to stabilize warming temperatures at safe levels, while the Paris Agreement more specifically aims to limit warming to as close to 1.5 C above pre-industrial temperatures as possible. Those agreements commit countries to voluntary action, but do not effectively hold them accountable for failing to cut emissions at the pace and scale required to avoid catastrophic warming. Vulnerable countries, which have contributed the least to the crisis yet face the brunt of damages, argued this amounts to a violation of their human rights and undermines their sovereignty. Wealthy, high-emitting countries like Canada, however, did not want to see international law rewritten in a way that could hold them liable for climate damages — expected to total in the tens of trillions of dollars. 'Canada's pursuit of mega fossil fuel expansion projects stands in stark defiance of the ICJ... This historic ruling is not merely a legal opinion; it's a global mandate that shatters any illusion of continued fossil fuel impunity." The crux of Canada's argument was that states cannot be held responsible for failing to address climate change because there is no international law recognizing it as a wrongful act. That has now changed. Climate reparations In plain language, the ruling confirms that under international law, by which Canada is bound, countries are required to take more than voluntary action to address climate change. Major historic polluters like Canada are not just morally bound to cut emissions, but legally required to — or risk charges to compensate communities most harmed. The economic costs from climate change are estimated in the hundreds of billions per year, with one study pegging the figure at US$400 billion per year by 2030, while another estimates it between US$290 billion and US$580 billion per year in developing countries alone. Damages could reach US$38 trillion per year by 2050, according to the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. The court's findings suggest major polluters could be held liable for those damages. For context, Canada is responsible for about 2 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, which implies being responsible for $760 billion annually, based on $38 trillion in global damages per year by 2050. 'Today, we've entered a new era of climate accountability. The world's highest court has made it clear: climate-harming activities violate international law and people's rights,' said Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights in a statement. 'Governments must cut emissions to protect people's lives and they must provide redress for the damage they've already caused.' 'Profound irresponsibility' The findings could upend Prime Minister Mark Carney's plans to nation-build. As recently reported by Canada's National Observer, several fossil fuel megaprojects are actively being considered to receive the greenlight from the federal government — paving the way for their construction, which would boost global greenhouse gas emissions and inflict harm on communities here and abroad by violating international laws requiring the prevention of transboundary harm. Among the projects Canada's National Observer identified as priorities for Carney's government, based on discussions with multiple government sources, are LNG Canada Phase 2, Cedar LNG and a potential revival of the Northern Gateway oil pipeline. 'Canada's pursuit of mega fossil fuel expansion projects stands in stark defiance of the ICJ's clear pronouncements,' said Harjeet Singh, a strategic advisor with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and member of the United Nations' Technical Expert Group on Comprehensive Risk Management. 'This historic ruling is not merely a legal opinion; it's a global mandate that shatters any illusion of continued fossil fuel impunity,' he said. 'For Canada to advance LNG expansion or a major oilsands project while the world's highest court demands states compel drastic and immediate action on the fossil fuel industry's capacity to inflict further harm is an act of profound irresponsibility.' Boyd said the ICJ's findings strengthen the case for a fundamental rethink of the Canadian economy, away from building more fossil fuel infrastructure. 'I know that's a bitter pill for Mark Carney to swallow, but that's a direct conclusion stemming from today's ruling,' he said. Global Affairs Canada did not return a request for comment by deadline. Trickle down legal opinions In Canadian courts, the ICJ ruling is expected to influence climate litigation. Fraser Thomson, a lawyer with Ecojustice representing seven young people suing Ontario in a case called Mathur v. Ontario, said Canadian courts would be paying close attention to Wednesday's opinion. In Mathur v. Ontario, the seven youth are alleging that the Ontario government violated their Charter rights by weakening the province's 2030 emission reduction targets from 37 per cent below 1990 levels by 2030 to 30 per cent below 2005 levels by the same year. In practice, the revised target would allow an additional 200 megatonnes of greenhouse gas pollution by decade's end, comparable to 47 million gas powered cars driven for one year. The youths' argument is that a weakened target would dangerously expose people to higher levels of emissions, putting their health at risk while exacerbating extreme weather, and is therefore a violation of their Charter rights to life, security of person and equality. That court battle is the first Charter-related climate case, and has bounced between courts for years. In 2022, it was heard at the Ontario Superior Court, which did not find the decision was a Charter violation — but in October the Court of Appeal struck the lower court's decision down and sent it back to be heard again. Thomson said his clients will be back in court in December 'with the wind in their sails with the ICJ's opinion.' 'We believe it's really a matter of time before a court in Canada finds there is a violation of our Charter rights when governments fuel the climate crisis,' he said. Beyond the Mathur case, the ICJ's advisory opinion is poised to influence thousands of climate related lawsuits around the world. The vast majority of cases are occurring in Global North countries. According to a Global Climate Change Litigation database
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Finalists Announced For 2025 ExportNZ ASB Central Region Awards
Press Release – Business Central The awards recognise exporting excellence from across the Central New Zealand Region – from Greater Wellington to Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Whanganui and Manawat. ExportNZ is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards. The awards recognise exporting excellence from across the Central New Zealand Region – from Greater Wellington to Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Whanganui and Manawatū. This year's new-look event is being hosted for the first time in Palmerston North, at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre on June 6. The awards are judged by a highly experienced panel of exporting specialists from ExportNZ, ASB and NZTE. This year's finalists represent a wide range of businesses from across the Central region, with judges commending their innovation, creativity and endeavour amidst a challenging global market. ExportNZ national Chair and chief judge David Boyd says this year's finalists are a special group: 'Entrants in the Export Awards always amaze us with their ingenuity and innovation but I can honestly say that this year's standards are exceptional and in all categories. 'From groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs to excellence in constant improvement of everyday processes, our exporters are amazing!' This year's category finalists are: DHL Best Emerging Business – DownUnder Honey – Ellen Joan Ford – Fleet Line Markers – Mana Pacific Consultants – Mufftech – Powa Products International Ltd Gallagher Insurance Best Established Business – Biophive – ITL – IPU New Zealand – Noske Rail – NZP (an ICE Pharma Company) – OBO CentrePort Excellence in Innovation – NovaLabs – Proliant Health & Biologicals – Sharesies – The Village Goldsmith Business Central Excellence in Sustainability – NZP (an ICE Pharma Company) – Fleet Line Markers – BioLumic All category winners are also eligible for the supreme award, ASB Exporter of the Year. In 2024, Wellington's Lane Street Studios received both Best Emerging Business and the supreme award. Lane Street Studios CEO Kirsty Grant says: 'Being recognised as Best Emerging Business and overall Exporter of the Year in 2024 was a significant achievement for myself and the team. We have all worked extremely hard to get our business established after building during covid and the myriad of challenges that impacted our industry. 'As our business is considered to be a weightless export, receiving the recognition of these awards was also an acknowledgement of the substantial contribution our sector makes to the NZ economy – with so much more potential for growth. 'We are very excited for future exporters to also be recognised for their work in supporting and further developing crucial trade relationships for NZ. Bring on the 2025 awards,' Grant said. Gala Dinner and Winners Announcement The winners in each category will be revealed during the upcoming Gala Dinner on June 6, at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre. Tickets for the event are available for purchase here: About the ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards: The ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards recognise and honour the remarkable work of Wellington exporters, showcasing their contributions to New Zealand's global reputation. Now in its 9th year, the awards provide a vital role in celebrating success and fostering growth in the export sector.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Finalists Announced For 2025 ExportNZ ASB Central Region Awards
ExportNZ is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards. The awards recognise exporting excellence from across the Central New Zealand Region - from Greater Wellington to Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Whanganui and Manawatū. This year's new-look event is being hosted for the first time in Palmerston North, at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre on June 6. The awards are judged by a highly experienced panel of exporting specialists from ExportNZ, ASB and NZTE. This year's finalists represent a wide range of businesses from across the Central region, with judges commending their innovation, creativity and endeavour amidst a challenging global market. ExportNZ national Chair and chief judge David Boyd says this year's finalists are a special group: "Entrants in the Export Awards always amaze us with their ingenuity and innovation but I can honestly say that this year's standards are exceptional and in all categories. "From groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs to excellence in constant improvement of everyday processes, our exporters are amazing!" This year's category finalists are: DHL Best Emerging Business - DownUnder Honey - Ellen Joan Ford - Fleet Line Markers - Mana Pacific Consultants - Mufftech - Powa Products International Ltd Gallagher Insurance Best Established Business - Biophive - ITL - IPU New Zealand - Noske Rail - NZP (an ICE Pharma Company) - OBO CentrePort Excellence in Innovation - NovaLabs - Proliant Health & Biologicals - Sharesies - The Village Goldsmith Business Central Excellence in Sustainability - NZP (an ICE Pharma Company) - Fleet Line Markers - BioLumic All category winners are also eligible for the supreme award, ASB Exporter of the Year. In 2024, Wellington's Lane Street Studios received both Best Emerging Business and the supreme award. Lane Street Studios CEO Kirsty Grant says: "Being recognised as Best Emerging Business and overall Exporter of the Year in 2024 was a significant achievement for myself and the team. We have all worked extremely hard to get our business established after building during covid and the myriad of challenges that impacted our industry. "As our business is considered to be a weightless export, receiving the recognition of these awards was also an acknowledgement of the substantial contribution our sector makes to the NZ economy - with so much more potential for growth. "We are very excited for future exporters to also be recognised for their work in supporting and further developing crucial trade relationships for NZ. Bring on the 2025 awards," Grant said. Gala Dinner and Winners Announcement The winners in each category will be revealed during the upcoming Gala Dinner on June 6, at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre. Tickets for the event are available for purchase here: ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards 2025 | ExportNZ About the ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards: The ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards recognise and honour the remarkable work of Wellington exporters, showcasing their contributions to New Zealand's global reputation. Now in its 9th year, the awards provide a vital role in celebrating success and fostering growth in the export sector.
CBC
08-05-2025
- CBC
‘Berg bonanza! Twillingate is already getting a tourism boost with the arrival of nature's floating art
The CBC's Troy Turner boarded a boat to see the real iceberg alley along the Twillingate coastline, along with tour operator David Boyd. Tag along for their adventure.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Child trafficking: Milwaukee victim advocate shares what to look for
The Brief A Milwaukee man is accused of sexually assaulting two kids, trafficking one of them. A victim advocate described the accusations against him as "like a horror show." If you suspect trafficking, you should call 911. There are signs to watch for. MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man is accused of sexually assaulting two kids and trafficking one of them. An advocate for victims said the case is part of a bigger issue. In Court David Boyd, 64, was supposed to have a preliminary hearing on Tuesday morning, but he refused public defender represenation. A hearing later this month will determine how things move forward. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android In all, prosecutors charged Boyd with repeated sexual assault of a child (two counts), physical abuse of a child, trafficking of a child and false imprisonment. Court records show he's being jailed on $100,000 bond. Human trafficking What they're saying Carmen Pitre, president of Sojourner Family Peace Center, described the accusations against Boyd as "like a horror show." Boyd is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting two girls – as young as 5 and 8 years old – for years. Prosecutors said one of the victims was chained up in the basement, denied food and trafficked. Residence near 21st and Burleigh "Thinking of a child like that locked up in a basement with bread – it's not an unfamiliar scenario," said Pitre. Pitre said kids are some of the most vulnerable when it comes to human trafficking. According to court filings, one of the victims told investigators she was only able to eat on the occasions she was allowed to go to school. "I think that traffickers count on isolation and disconnection," said Pitre. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News One of the victims told investigators Boyd assaulted her "too many times to count" and that he threatened her with a knife. Neighbors told FOX6 News they had no idea. "This could be happening right around us. It is familiar to us that trafficking happens right among us," said Pitre. "People who hurt others are good at hiding it." By the numbers That's part of the reason human trafficking is so tough to track. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families said, in 2023, there were 339 allegations of child sex trafficking reported to local agencies across the state. Sojourner Family Peace Center What you can do If you suspect trafficking, you should call 911. The biggest way you can help is to look for – and report – red flags. Victim advocates said physical signs to watch are children who: Are overly tired Appear to be malnourished Have burn marks, bruising or cuts Behavioral red flags include: Unexplained absences from school Acting withdrawn Sharing scripted or inconsistent stories Appearing to have lost sense of time The Source Information in this report is from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, Wisconsin Circuit Court and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. FOX6 News also interviewed Sojourner Peace Center President Carmen Pitre.
