The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague will issue a pivotal advisory opinion on July 23, 2025, addressing the legal responsibilities of nations in combating climate change.
This non-binding ruling, prompted by Vanuatu and other nations, is expected to shape global climate action by clarifying state obligations under international law.
The decision follows extensive hearings in December 2024, where 15 judges reviewed thousands of pages of submissions and heard arguments from countries worldwide.
Wealthy nations, including major historical emitters like the United States, argued that existing frameworks, such as the 2015 Paris Agreement, sufficiently outline their climate responsibilities.
Developing nations and small island states, however, pushed for stronger, legally binding measures to curb emissions and provide financial aid for climate impacts.
Vanuatu emphasized the need for the ICJ to consider the full scope of international law, including human rights and maritime laws, to address the crisis comprehensively.
Though advisory, the ICJ’s opinion carries significant legal and political weight, potentially influencing nearly 3,000 climate-related lawsuits across 60 countries.
The ruling could affirm that climate inaction by major emitters violates international law, paving the way for states to hold polluters accountable.
Campaigners, including Fijian law student Vishal Prasad, hope the decision will mark a turning point, ensuring reparations for nations harmed by climate change.
“This opinion is applying binding international law, which countries have already committed to,” said Joie Chowdhury, senior attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law.
The ruling, expected to span hundreds of pages, will be read at 3 p.m. local time, offering a potential milestone in the fight for climate justice. climate