The International Court of Justice delivered a historic advisory opinion affirming that countries must prevent harm to the climate system. This ruling provides vulnerable communities, particularly in the Pacific, with a legal mechanism to hold states accountable for climate action. The opinion emphasizes that obligations go beyond the Paris Agreement and include broader environmental and human rights laws. The court indicated states could face compensation for failing to act against climate harm, specifically targeting fossil fuel activities. For advocates, this moment represented a significant personal and political victory in the climate fight.
I was literally hanging on to each and every word the judge was saying. I was anticipating, waiting for the things I hoped to hear. The more I listened, the more emotional I became, Houniuhi said.
The ICJ's advisory opinion for the first time gives the Pacific and all vulnerable communities a legal mechanism to hold states accountable and to demand the climate action long overdue.
The court said countries must prevent harm to the climate system and that failing to do so could result in their having to pay compensation and make other forms of restitution.
We were there. And we were heard, she said.
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