In July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said countries must take action to stop climate change by reducing pollution from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. The court said if countries don’t act, they could be breaking international law and might have to pay for the damage caused.
Australia is one country that might face legal action because it is still producing a lot of fossil fuels and not doing enough to fight climate change. More than 130 countries, including Australia, support the idea that global warming should be limited to 1.5°C.
In Italy, a court allowed a case against the big energy company Eni to move forward. Environmental groups say Eni is making climate change worse and should be held responsible.
These legal actions show that courts are becoming an important way to fight climate change. They can make countries and companies follow the rules and protect the planet.
At the same time, many countries are working to use less fossil fuel. For example, the Republic of the Marshall Islands joined a group to stop giving money to fossil fuel companies. The European Union is trying to stop buying fossil fuels from Russia. The United States is working on projects to support clean energy.
China is also pushing hard to increase renewable energy and coal power to reduce its reliance on crude oil by 2025. This shift aims to lower emissions while ensuring energy security as the country transitions to cleaner sources.
The UK is also investing £300 million to help clean up shipping. This money will support new technologies like electric and hydrogen-powered ships to reduce pollution in the maritime industry. The UK aims to cut shipping emissions by 30% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
Many more countries not mentioned here are also taking important steps toward cleaner energy and climate action.
Together, these legal and policy changes show the world is serious about ending fossil fuel use and protecting the environment.
References:
International Court of Justice ruling on climate obligations
Australia warned of possible legal action over fossil fuels
Italy court allows climate lawsuit against energy company Eni
Republic of the Marshall Islands joining COFFIS