Developed nations must uphold historical climate responsibilities, says S'pore

Singapore speaks up at world court over legal obligations to address climate change

- Shabana Begum

Developed countries that have been polluting the atmosphere with planet-warming greenhouse gases for two centuries should take the lead in combating climate change, Singapore told the world's top court on Dec 11.

The UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) is undertaking a landmark hearing to decide on countries' legal obligations to address climate change, and the consequences for failing to prevent harm, especially to vulnerable nations.

The notion of historical responsibility underpinned earlier environmental treaties, even though it was not explicitly referenced in the Paris Agreement, the world's current climate pact.

Addressing the court at The Hague in the Netherlands, Singapore's Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee noted that some countries claim that historical responsibility was never the basis of the Paris Agreement and its parent treaty, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Other countries argue that climate responsibilities spelt out in treaties are now based on each nation's current capabilities and specific national conditions, rather than historical emissions.

"Singapore disagrees," Mrs Lee told the court on Dec 11. "In our view, historical responsibility was and remains an integral part of common but differentiated responsibilities."

Common but differentiated responsibilities is a principle in the UNFCCC recognising that all countries have a duty to take climate action, but the types of action they take will depend on their differing national circumstances.