SUDBURY -- Seven young people in Ontario are celebrating this week after a Canadian court ruled in their favour.

The group, with the support of EcoJustice Canada, is challenging the provincial government on what it says is inaction on the climate change crisis.

"It's a first time a Canadian court has ruled that citizens have the ability to challenge a Canadian government for its actions on climate change using the highest law in the land, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms," said their lawyer, Fraser Thomson.

Thomson said the decision will ensure his clients get their day in court. He said the province's 2030 emissions reduction target is inadequate, unconstitutional and needs to be struck down.

"The decision of the court recognizes this is not a normal case, but this is not a normal issue," Thomson said. "What we're seeing is that courts around the world are looking at the science and are recognizing the existential threat posed by climate change needs to be addressed by courts. Governments have had over 30 years to act."

Sophia Mathur, a 13-year-old climate activist from Sudbury, is one of the seven applicants listed in the lawsuit. Mathur has been leading the school strike initiative on Fridays in Sudbury.

Have to take action

"If we win this court case, that means the Ontario government will have to take action," said Mathur.

The Grade 8 student said her classmates have been encouraging her efforts and have been helping wherever possible.

"I think many of them are proud of it and just think that it's cool and different that someone is suing the provincial government, but I definitely think that it's good that we have youth as a part of those case," she said. "It's our future that's going to be affected by this so kids my age and kids older, young adults that are part of the case, I think that's very essential because it's our future and kids should be caring about this."

Her message to the Ontario government and Premier Doug Ford?

"I think the Ford government is not taking action on the climate crisis and we need action, especially here in Northern Ontario because Northern Ontario is warming very fast," she said. "Here in Sudbury it's warming three degrees faster than the rest of Ontario."

CTV News reached out to the Ministry of the Attorney General and received the following response.

"We are reviewing the decision. As this matter is in the appeal period, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

No date has been set yet for a trial. The group wants the province to acknowledge the current 2030 target is inadequate and wants the government to set a new one based on "science."