The International Court of Justice in The Hague is set to begin hearings on Monday for what is being hailed as the largest case in its history. The focus of the two-week hearings will be on the legal obligations of countries worldwide in combating climate change and supporting vulnerable nations in mitigating its impact.
The case was initiated following a request from the United Nations General Assembly last year, prompted by concerns raised by small island nations facing the threat of disappearing due to rising sea levels. The aim is to determine the legality of actions that have contributed to climate change and its detrimental effects.
Over the past decade, global sea levels have risen by an average of 4.3 centimeters, with even higher increases observed in the Pacific region. Additionally, the world has experienced a temperature rise of 1.3 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times, largely attributed to the burning of fossil fuels.
Vanuatu, representing a group of small states advocating for international legal intervention in the climate crisis, emphasized the urgent need for action. The country's climate change envoy highlighted the severe impact of climate change on their lands, livelihoods, culture, and human rights.
While any decision by the court would not be legally binding, it could set a significant precedent for future legal actions, including domestic lawsuits. The hearings will involve input from 99 countries and numerous intergovernmental organizations, marking a historic moment for the nearly 80-year-old institution.
The case at the ICJ comes in the wake of recent rulings worldwide that have called for stronger measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect populations from the adverse effects of climate change. The judges will specifically address the obligations of countries under international law to combat climate change and the legal repercussions for governments that have significantly contributed to environmental harm.
The urgency of the climate crisis, particularly for vulnerable regions like small island developing States, underscores the critical nature of this case. The court's decision could have far-reaching implications for global climate action and the protection of future generations from the devastating impacts of climate change.
