International Court of Justice orders countries to take action to prevent environmental harm due to climate change
International Court of Justice Confirms Global Obligation to Combat Climate Change
In a landmark decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has ruled that all countries are legally obligated under international law to take action against climate change. This duty, particularly emphasized for the largest greenhouse gas emitters, requires ambitious mitigation measures in line with the best available science [1][2][3].
The ICJ's advisory opinion confirms that the 1.5°C global warming limit enshrined in the Paris Agreement is legally binding, necessitating robust, up-to-date national climate plans and urgent action to reduce emissions [1][2][3]. High-emitting and wealthy nations are expected to comply with international commitments and provide financial assistance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support to vulnerable countries [2][4].
The ICJ's ruling goes further than the Paris Agreement, stating that countries that have not signed climate treaties must also take climate action [3]. It has been highlighted that failure to act or comply with these obligations may lead to international legal responsibility, including potential reparations for harm caused by breaching climate duties [1][4].
The ICJ rejects arguments that only climate treaties govern climate obligations, emphasizing a broader legal framework that mandates all States to cooperate and prevent foreseeable climate harm [1][3]. Although the ICJ opinion is not legally binding as a court ruling, it carries significant legal weight and political legitimacy as the UN's highest court, signaling a clear global expectation that all countries, especially major emitters, must take urgent and ambitious climate action [1][4].
The ruling was in response to a case brought up by the small island group of Vanuatu, a Pacific Ocean country whose survival is threatened by rising sea levels due to climate change [5]. Judge Yuji Iwasawa highlighted in the ruling that climate change consequences affect human rights, particularly access to healthcare, water, food, and safe shelter [6].
The hearings revealed varying opinions, with vulnerable countries and rich countries holding different positions. Despite these differences, the ICJ's ruling underscores the urgent need for global cooperation to address the "urgent and existential threat" of climate change [7].
This article originally appeared in Dutch business newspaper FD on 23 July 2025.
References:
[1] International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on Climate Change Obligations
[2] BBC News: International Court of Justice rules on climate change obligations
[3] The Guardian: International court rules countries must act to prevent climate change
[4] Reuters: International Court of Justice rules countries must act to prevent climate change
[5] Al Jazeera: Small island nations call for urgent climate action at COP26
[6] UN News: ICJ rules that States are obliged to prevent damage to the climate system
[7] The New York Times: Countries Must Work Together to Address Climate Change, Court Says
- The ruling by the International Court of Justice reinforces the importance of adjudicating affordable housing projects in light of climate-change impacts, considering housing as a crucial aspect of human rights.
- In the realm of politics and general news, the decision underscores the necessity for private equity firms to adopt corporate social responsibility practices that prioritize biodiversity conservation while developing sustainable affordable housing.
- As environmental-science professionals, we must integrate the latest research on climate-change mitigation into our strategies for affordable housing projects to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for people and the environment.
- The upcoming round of global negotiations on climate-change policies should incorporate discussions on affordable housing, focusing on solutions that minimize carbon footprints and promote sustainable biodiversity conservation.
