Canada's Youth Take On Government in Landmark Climate Trial

In June 2013, heavy rain caused one of the worst floods in Canadian history. Sadie Vipond, who grew up in Calgary along the Bow River, was a young child when she and her family had to flee their home. "That was pretty scary with the evacuation," she recalled. Now Vipond is one of a group of young Canadians taking the federal government to court over climate change. The trial, set to begin soon, is seen as a landmark case. The young plaintiffs argue that the government's failure to act on climate change violates their rights to life, liberty, and security of person. The case centers on whether the government has a legal duty to protect young people from the harms of climate change. The plaintiffs say the government's current climate policies are not enough and put their future at risk. The trial is expected to draw international attention. It is one of a growing number of climate lawsuits worldwide in which young people are challenging governments to take stronger action.