The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has commenced hearings to examine the legal obligations of nations to combat climate change and the implications of contributing to global warming. The outcome, though not legally binding, could significantly impact climate litigation worldwide.
The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, which played a key role in initiating the effort for the advisory opinion, is among the first of over 100 countries and international organizations presenting their views. The hearings are scheduled to run over two weeks, starting at 10 a.m. (0900 GMT).
Advisory opinions issued by the ICJ hold substantial legal and political weight. Experts believe that the court’s eventual stance on climate responsibilities could serve as a key reference in climate-related lawsuits across Europe, Latin America, and beyond.
The hearings come shortly after developing nations criticized the recent COP29 agreement as insufficient. The agreement pledged $300 billion annually in climate finance by 2035 to assist poorer nations, a commitment many see as inadequate in addressing the growing challenges of climate change.
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change, emphasized the urgency of phasing out fossil fuels and increasing financial support for vulnerable nations disproportionately affected by climate impacts. "We would like cumulative historical emissions that cause significant harm to the climate system to be declared unlawful," he said.
The ICJ will hear from a diverse array of participants, including small island states, major Western and developing countries, as well as the world's top greenhouse gas emitters, the United States and China. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is also set to present its perspective.
The hearings are expected to conclude on December 13, with the ICJ’s advisory opinion anticipated in 2025.
COP29 Draft Proposal: $250 Billion Climate Finance for Developing Nations Faces Backlash
