Vanuatu island chief \’very impressed\’ by global climate decision

Vanuatu Chief Applauds International Court’s Climate Decision

Ambrym’s Paramount Leader Expresses Pride

George Bumseng, the chief of the volcanic island of Ambrym, stood beside a wooden statue in Port Vila on July 24, 2025, to celebrate the International Court of Justice’s ruling that nations must address the urgent threat of climate change.

Vanuatu led the legal action at The Hague, which concluded that countries bear a duty to protect against the “urgent and existential” danger posed by a warming planet.

Key Storms of 2023

• March – Cyclone Judy and Cyclone Kevin attacked Ambrym in tandem.
• October – Cyclone Lola delivered further devastation.

Bumseng recalled that the island endured heavy damage to root crops, forests, and traditional medicines.

Environmental Shifts

• Loss of fig trees and continuous coastal erosion.
• Changing tides affecting traditional crop cultivation.

“We are very happy that the International Court of Justice has ruled in our favor,” Bumseng said, affirming that the decision marks a significant step toward climate justice.