New Zealand law student files climate change case

Thomson is challenging the government over commitments

ANew Zealand law student is taking the government to court in hopes of forcing it to set more ambitious climate change targets.

The case brought by Sarah Thomson, 26, began yesterday in the High Court in Wellington and is scheduled to last three days. It could be several months before a judge releases a decision.

Thomson is challenging the government over commitments that include a pledge under the Paris climate accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. In court filings, Thomson argued that pledge and the process for reaching it were “illogical, irrational, unreasonable and unlawful.”

She says the government needs to throw out the target and set a new one.

“I want New Zealand to do more,” Thomson said outside the court. “I want the government to take it seriously. I want them to actually care about the future of young New Zealanders because we’re the ones who are going to be dealing with the consequences.”

Climate Change Issues Minister Paula Bennett said in a statement that “we are very comfortable that our Paris target is fair and ambitious, and that it was set only after a thorough process of consultation.”