ICJ judges emphasize that the global climate crisis poses an urgent and existential threat to all countries
On Wednesday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) warned that the global consequences of climate change are “grave and far-reaching” and emphasized that its effects reflect “the urgent and existential threat” posed by the climate crisis.
During the reading of its advisory opinion requested by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) regarding states’ obligations in relation to climate change, the U.N.’s highest court cautioned that greenhouse gas emissions are “unequivocally caused by human activities, without territorial limits.”
“In the scientific context, the Court noted that the consequences of climate change are grave and far-reaching, affecting both natural ecosystems and human populations. These consequences reflect the urgent and existential threat posed by climate change,” said presiding Judge Iwasawa Yuji.
The resolution adopted by the General Assembly in March 2023 asked the ICJ to respond to a series of questions based on documents such as the U.N. Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Paris Agreement, and the rights recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The UN International Court of Justice says “Climate change poses a quintessentially universal risk to all states.”
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“What are the obligations of states under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, for the benefit of present and future generations?” the UNGA asked, also inquiring about the legal consequences for states that fail to meet those obligations.
One of the key legal issues the ICJ was expected to clarify is the link between climate change and human rights, such as the rights to life, health, food and housing, as well as the historical responsibility of major greenhouse gas emitters.
In December 2024, during a week of hearings, around 100 countries and international organizations presented their arguments before the International Court on these matters.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro referred to the impact of climate change on the world. pic.twitter.com/IMXx9cfo51
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