US EditionWorld Court to issue climate change opinion on July 23
SOUTH HOLLAND, NETHERLANDS, JUL 23 – The International Court of Justice will clarify legal duties of major emitters toward vulnerable nations, influencing global climate litigation and precedent, experts say.
- On July 23, 2025, the United Nations’ principal judicial body based in The Hague will release a nonbinding advisory opinion regarding nations' legal responsibilities to address climate change.
- This follows a March 29, 2023 UN General Assembly request by Vanuatu asking the Court to clarify states' duties to prevent greenhouse gas emissions and consequences for climate harm.
- The Court held record oral hearings from December 2 to 13, 2024, with over 100 countries participating and 91 written statements, debating liability, equity, and treaty interpretation.
- Representatives described the process as a "David versus Goliath" contest, with vulnerable states demanding reparations and wealthy polluters asserting treaty precedence.
- The opinion is expected to shape future climate policy, litigation, and national legislation despite its nonbinding nature, and will be publicly read by the Court’s president.
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World Court to issue climate change opinion on July 23
The top United Nations court will on July 23 issue a nonbinding opinion on countries' legal obligation to fight climate change, a decision expected to be cited in climate change-driven litigation around the world, the court said on Monday.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the highest judicial body of the UN, announced this Monday that it will issue an opinion on July 23 to establish the first global legal framework to combat climate change. This court was appointed in December by the United Nations (UN) to issue an opinion on States' obligations to prevent climate change and to establish sanctions for polluting countries. The president of the TIJ, Judge Iwasawa Yuj
ICJ to deliver advisory opinion on climate change obligations
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced on Monday that it will deliver its advisory opinion on the legal obligations of states concerning climate change, following a request from the UN General Assembly, reported Xinhua. A public session is scheduled for July 23 this year, during which Judge Iwasawa Yuji, president of the court, will read out the opinion, the ICJ said in a press release. The UN General Assembly initiated the request f…
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