
Green Economy Law Blog
Court Deems Ontario Bikelane Removal Law Unconstitutional
On July 30, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued its decision in Cycle Toronto et al. v. Attorney General of Ontario, which deemed unconstitutional provincial legislation to forcibly remove major bike lanes in Toronto.
International Court of Justice Issues Landmark Climate Ruling
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that nation states must protect the environment from excess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or potentially face financial penalties.
Mark Carney Sworn in as New Canadian Prime Minister
On March 14, 2025, Mark Carney - the former governor of the Banks of Canada and England, boasting an extensive track record of climate advocacy - was sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister, replacing Justin Trudeau.
COP29 in 10 Points
Few success stories came out of this year’s COP. Nevertheless, we’ve compiled COP29’s five (very modest) achievements and five of its most notable failures.
Shell Wins Appeal in Landmark Climate Case
On November 12, 2024, the Hague Appeals Court overturned a landmark 2021 decision ordering oil giant Shell to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 45% from 2019 levels by 2030.
Ontario Youth Climate Activists Win Mathur Appeal
On October 17, 2024, Ontario’s Court of Appeal sided with a group of young climate activists in its Mathur v Ontario decision, reviving a case against the province which was previously dismissed in April 2023.
Canada Announces Green Taxonomy and Climate Disclosures Rules for Federal Corporations
On October 9, 2024, the Canadian government announced that it will establish a “Made-in-Canada” sustainable investing taxonomy, and institute mandatory climate disclosure requirements for large, federally-incorporated private companies.
Canada Passes Sustainable Jobs Act
The legislation’s goal is to support workers and communities by creating high-quality, socially-responsible (and preferably unionized) jobs, as part of the transition away from fossil fuels.
European Court Rules Climate Inaction Violates Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights delivered its long-awaited first ruling in the climate action case Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz v. Switzerland, finding that the European Convention on Human Rights encompasses the right to effective protection from adverse effects of climate change.
Ontario Ag-Gag Law Declared Partly Unconstitutional
On Tuesday, Ontario’s Superior Court struck down several provisions of the province’s controversial Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, an “ag-gag” law which acts to shield the animal agriculture industry from reasonable scrutiny, and conceal its systemic cruelty.