The International Court of Justice, the primary judicial organ of the United Nations, is set to hear the largest case in its history. The case, which will run for two weeks, centers on the legal obligations of states concerning climate change, specifically their responsibilities to mitigate its effects and support vulnerable nations.
The Peace Palace housing the World Court, or International Court of Justice, is reflected in a monument in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
“We want the court to confirm that the conduct that has wrecked the climate is unlawful,” Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, who is leading the legal team for the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, told The Associated Press. “We live on the front lines of climate change impact. We are witnesses to the destruction of our lands, our livelihoods, our culture and our human rights,” Vanuatu’s climate change envoy Ralph Regenvanu told reporters ahead of the hearing.
From Monday, the Hague-based court will hear from 99 countries and more than a dozen intergovernmental organizations over two weeks. It’s the largest lineup in the institution’s nearly 80-year history. Fifteen judges from around the world will seek to answer two questions: What are countries obliged to do under international law to protect the climate and environment from human-caused greenhouse gas emissions? And what are the legal consequences for governments where their acts, or lack of action, have significantly harmed the climate and environment?
The case at the ICJ follows a number of rulings around the world ordering governments to do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate Change International Court Of Justice United Nations Legal Obligations Vulnerable Nations
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