Greener Route

In a landmark ruling that has come as a shot in the arm for the global climate movement, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 23 July observed that countries are legally bound to act on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and failure to do so could hold them financially liable.

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In a landmark ruling that has come as a shot in the arm for the global climate movement, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 23 July observed that countries are legally bound to act on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and failure to do so could hold them financially liable.

Although the ruling is an advisory opinion and doesn’t directly affect any nation immediately, it carries significant consequences in the global battle against climate change. By highlighting that climate action isn’t just a policy imperative for countries but also a legally-binding duty under international law, the Hague based top UN court’s advisory opinion will hopefully come to the aid of developing nations and everyone else pushing for stronger climate action from wealthier, more industrialised countries. This was especially needed after the US has taken a U-turn in its commitment to climate action after Donald Trump’s reversal in climate policies.

Following years of advocacy from at-risk island nations concerned about the threat of rising sea levels, the UN General Assembly requested an advisory opinion from the ICJ in 2023. The ICJ was tasked with addressing two key questions: First, what responsibilities do countries have under international law to safeguard climate and environment from human-induced greenhouse gas emissions? Second, what legal repercussions do governments face when their actions, or inactions, significantly damage climate and environment?