A representative from Vanuatu raised urgent concerns about climate change during a session at the International Court of Justice, which is gathering insights from over 100 countries and organizations. The case aims to clarify nations’ legal responsibilities in mitigating climate impacts. Activists demonstrated outside, demanding immediate action. The court’s anticipated ruling could shape future climate policies, especially for vulnerable nations affected by rising sea levels and extreme weather, as major emitters face scrutiny over their commitments.
The Urgent Call for Climate Action
A representative from Vanuatu articulated a grave concern for the planet’s future on Monday during a pivotal session at the UN’s highest court. This landmark process aims to establish a legal framework that outlines the responsibilities of nations in combating climate change.
In an unprecedented move, over 100 countries and organizations are set to share their perspectives on this crucial issue, marking the highest participation ever recorded at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) located in The Hague.
“The results of this case will profoundly affect generations to come, shaping the destiny of nations like mine and the world at large,” stated Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change. He emphasized the historic significance of this case, calling it potentially “the most important case in the history of humanity.”
Activism and Anticipation Outside the Court
Outside the Peace Palace, where the ICJ convenes, dozens of activists rallied with slogans such as, “The biggest problem before the highest court” and “Fund our future, fund climate now.” Jule Schnakenberg, representing Global Youth for Climate Justice, expressed optimism that the judges would provide actionable insights to break the deadlock in annual climate negotiations.
These hearings follow a contentious climate agreement reached at the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, which mandates developed nations to contribute a minimum of $300 billion annually by 2035 for climate financing. However, many impoverished nations criticized this commitment from wealthier polluters as inadequate, especially as the agreement failed to mention the global pledge to phase out fossil fuels.
Last year, the UN General Assembly directed two key questions to the international judges: What obligations do states have under international law to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions? And what legal implications arise when states cause significant damage to the climate through their actions or negligence?
The latter question addresses the responsibilities of nations towards smaller, vulnerable countries and their peoples, particularly those facing threats like rising sea levels and extreme weather in regions such as the Pacific Ocean.
Joy Chowdhury, an attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law, anticipates that the Court will provide a foundational legal framework that can address more specific issues in the future. She believes the judges’ ruling, expected next year, will illuminate climate-related legal challenges on both national and international fronts.
Among the 98 countries and 12 organizations set to contribute insights are some of the largest greenhouse gas emitters, including China, the United States, and India. The international community has committed to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, recent findings from the Global Carbon Project presented during COP29 indicate that CO2 emissions from fossil fuels have soared to new heights this year.
“When the Paris Agreement was signed, young people worldwide viewed it as a beacon of hope,” remarked Cynthia Houniuhi, president of the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change association, as she addressed the ICJ. “Today, however, this process has been co-opted by major emitters and fossil fuel producers, transforming it into a security policy that ensnares everyone else,” she added. “The stakes are existential for the youth and future generations.”