ICJ to issue historic climate verdict
ICJ Unveils Landmark Climate‑Change Legal Framework
The International Court of Justice will issue an advisory opinion that redefines global responsibilities for curbing greenhouse gas emissions and holds the biggest polluters accountable for the environmental harm they cause.
Core Questions for the Court
- What obligations do states have under international law to protect the planet from climate‑driven pollution?
- What legal consequences follow for states whose acts and omissions generate significant climate harm?
Why the Opinion Matters
Experts say this verdict is the most influential ruling on climate law in recent years, potentially reshaping national policies, influencing existing court cases, and guiding the next generation of environmental legislation.
Voices from Vulnerable Nations
- Vanuatu – The island state pushed the question that the outcome will steer the future of nations like its own.
- Marshall Islands – John Silk warned that the court must prevent “watery graves” caused by rising seas.
- Fiji – Luke Daunivalu called the crisis a “crisis of equity,” demanding justice from those who did not cause the crisis.
Confronting the “David versus Goliath” Debate
During December hearings, the ICJ heard over 100 oral submissions—far more than ever before—representing both advanced economies and developing states. The Great Power leaders argued that the existing UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) already sets adequate obligations, while smaller states insisted it falls short of real protection.
Implications for Major Polluters
While the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC provide a baseline, the advisory opinion could alter how major emitters negotiate their responsibilities, especially as the U.S. re‑evaluates its commitments after withdrawing from the Paris pact.
The Path Forward
For the law, this opinion becomes a “legal compass,” according to Pacific islands advocates, that will inspire more robust national strategies and provide a judicial basis for future litigation.
