World's Highest Court Rules Climate Action a Legal Obligation
The International Court of Justice declares that countries must tackle climate change and warned that failing to do so could open the door to reparations.
In a landmark ruling, the world’s highest court declared Wednesday that states are obliged under international law to tackle climate change.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), based in The Hague, said climate change posed an 'urgent and existential threat' to the planet.
According to the ICJ, countries have a legal duty to prevent harm from their planet-warming pollution.
Countries breaching their climate obligations are committing a 'wrongful act,' the court stated.
This ruling opens the door for reparations in cases where there is a clear link between a country’s actions and the resulting harm.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed this as a victory for climate justice.
Climate change ministers from vulnerable nations also praised the ruling, expressing hope that it would strengthen their bargaining power in negotiations with major polluters.
This decision by ICJ sets precedence for national courts, legislation, and public debate globally.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), based in The Hague, said climate change posed an 'urgent and existential threat' to the planet.
According to the ICJ, countries have a legal duty to prevent harm from their planet-warming pollution.
Countries breaching their climate obligations are committing a 'wrongful act,' the court stated.
This ruling opens the door for reparations in cases where there is a clear link between a country’s actions and the resulting harm.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed this as a victory for climate justice.
Climate change ministers from vulnerable nations also praised the ruling, expressing hope that it would strengthen their bargaining power in negotiations with major polluters.
This decision by ICJ sets precedence for national courts, legislation, and public debate globally.
