The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to begin hearings on Monday in a groundbreaking climate change case to determine the legal obligations of states in combating climate change and assisting vulnerable nations. More than 100 countries and organizations will present arguments before the ICJ in The Hague, seeking a blueprint for environmental protection from greenhouse gases. This initiative follows a campaign by Pacific Island students in 2019 to bring the climate issue to the ICJ.
Vanuatu will be the first to present arguments, with hearings scheduled until December 13 and the opinion expected in 2025. The ICJ’s advisory opinions hold legal and political significance, despite being non-binding. The initiative comes on the heels of criticism from Pacific and developing nations over the inadequate climate finance agreement reached at Cop29 summit.
Pacific climate activists have expressed disappointment with the outcomes of Cop summits, citing the failure to address the scale of the climate crisis. Papua New Guinea, one of the Pacific nations participating in the ICJ hearings, has denounced Cop29 as a “total waste of time” and highlights the challenges faced by Pacific island nations due to rising sea levels and changing weather patterns.
Attorney General Pila Niningi of Papua New Guinea hopes that the ICJ’s advisory opinion will provide clarity on the legal responsibilities of states in combating climate change and guide their obligations under international law. The opinions of the ICJ will have a significant impact on how countries worldwide approach climate change and aid vulnerable nations in their fight against its devastating impact.
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