Inter-American Court Says States Must Protect People From Climate Change

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruling means that around 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean must undertake legal reforms 'to reduce the risks arising... from the degradation of the global climate system' (Credit: AFP)

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled Thursday that countries belonging to the Organization of American States (OAS) have an obligation to take "all necessary measures" to protect populations from climate change.

The decision means that around 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean that recognize the court's jurisdiction must undertake legal reforms that could increase the requirements imposed on businesses, something environmentists have long advocated.