UN top court opens landmark hearings on climate protection guidelines

Landmark Climate Change Case Opens at Top UN Court

The UN’s top court has started proceedings to examine the legal obligations of countries to combat climate change. The courts’ proceedings to assess countries’ legal obligations to address climate change, followed a March 2023 request by the United Nations, spearheaded by South Pacific nation Vanuatu. On Dec. 2, Vanuatu was the first country to present arguments to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) also known as the World Court. Ultimatel…

The world's biggest climate case begins in The Hague

This week, the International Court of Justice began hearing oral arguments in a high-profile case brought by the island nation of Vanuatu on what obligations United Nations member states have under international law to protect the planet from greenhouse gas emissions for future generations.

Mary Robinson says 'world's biggest climate case' can hold polluters to account

Judges at the international court of justice are to clarify what countries are legally required to do to fight the climate crisis

What's the climate change case at the ICJ all about?

For the first two weeks of December, the World Court is holding public hearings to shed light on states’ obligations to prevent the climate crisis. Back in 2023, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution asking for the International Court of Justice’s answer to these two questions: What are the obligations of states under international law to protect the climate system, environment from human-induced emissions? What are the …

World's highest court hears largest-ever case on climate justice

The largest case to be held at the world's top court is underway with climate justice under the spotlight and significant implications for Australia's fossil fuel industry. Climate activists have condemned Australia's submission in the landmark case on climate responsibility as an attempt to dodge responsibility for the worsening climate crisis.