The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced that it will begin hearings on December 2, 2024, to address a pivotal climate justice case concerning the legal responsibilities of states in relation to global warming and the potential legal consequences for failing to tackle the climate emergency. This case arises from a request by the United Nations in March 2023, which sought clarification on the "legal consequences" for countries that have caused substantial harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment. The request emphasizes obligations towards "small island developing States," which are especially vulnerable to climate impacts, as well as duties to future generations. This initiative, strongly supported by Vanuatu—a small island nation at severe risk from rising sea levels—aims to establish clear international legal standards and encourage more robust climate action from governments. Although ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding, they hold considerable influence and are often factored into national legal decisions. The case has seen significant engagement, with 62 written comments already submitted to the ICJ Registry, though the process has faced delays, with the deadline for written observations extended multiple times since the initial six-month period set in April 2023. Notably, major emitters like China and the United States did not co-sponsor the UN request, with US representative Nicholas Hill expressing preference for diplomatic solutions over judicial ones, citing concerns about complicating international climate efforts. The ICJ's deliberation will complement other recent advancements in climate justice, such as the UN maritime court's historic ruling in May that reinforced the obligation of polluting countries to prevent environmental damage to other states.
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https://www.trtworld.com/climate/icj-to-address-climate-justice-and-obligations-in-december-hearings-18196768
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