(photo by Ynetnews)
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to release its much-anticipated advisory opinion today at 3 pm regarding “Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change.”
This significant ruling, to be delivered by President Judge Iwasawa Yuji, follows extensive proceedings involving more than 100 nations and international organizations, with strong advocacy from small island developing states.
The advisory opinion originated from a request made by Vanuatu, with support from Antigua and Barbuda, aimed at obtaining legal insight into the responsibilities of countries in addressing climate change as prescribed by international law.
During the proceedings in December, Prime Minister Gaston Browne highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on smaller island nations and stressed the urgent need for climate justice.
He stated, “We seek this advisory opinion not to point fingers but to clarify state obligations before the clock on our survival runs out.”
Zachary Phillips, the Crown Counsel for Antigua and Barbuda, argued that affluent countries should not use the Paris Agreement to evade their responsibilities.
This opinion acknowledges the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable nations. It’s a huge step towards ensuring that those historically responsible for emissions bear their legal obligations.
Hopefully one day I’ll understand the entire climate change thing
As a small islander, this hits home. We contribute the least to climate change but suffer the most. It’s time the world listened.
Love seeing leaders like PM Browne and young legal minds like Zachary Phillips making history. This is how change starts.