The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued an advisory opinion stating that countries have a legal obligation to combat climate change and limit global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. This ruling expands obligations beyond the Paris Agreement, citing international human rights law and customary international law.
Vulnerable Pacific island nations like Vanuatu, which initiated the case, see the opinion as a powerful tool to hold major fossil fuel producers such as Australia accountable for their emissions and fossil fuel subsidies. The court found that failure to act on fossil fuel production and consumption could be considered “internationally wrongful” and may lead to legal liability and demands for climate reparations.
Experts say the ruling requires Australia to adopt more ambitious emissions reductions, potentially cutting emissions by at least 75% below 2005 levels by 2035. The decision also increases pressure on Australia’s government to reconsider approvals of new coal and gas projects.
While the Australian government says it is reviewing the opinion, the ruling signals a new era of climate accountability and potential international legal consequences for major emitters who fail to act decisively on climate change.