The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that countries could breach international law by failing to protect the climate. The court emphasized the urgent need to address climate change and recognized the right to a clean and sustainable environment as a human right. This determination may reshape international law and litigation, making it easier to hold nations accountable for pollution. Despite the advisory nature of the opinion, it aims to guide policy actions. Nearly 3,000 climate lawsuits are active across multiple countries, highlighting increased legal challenges surrounding climate inaction.
The judges of the ICJ described the need to address the threat of climate change as "urgent and existential." They determined that signatories to international agreements might violate international law if they do not limit greenhouse gas emissions.
A "clean, healthy, and sustainable environment" is now recognized as a human right. This repositions climate concerns from environmental issues to matters of justice and fundamental rights.
The court indicated that the advisory opinion aims to inform and guide social and political action regarding the ongoing climate crisis, despite being non-binding.
There are approximately 2,967 active climate change lawsuits in nearly 60 countries, with over 226 new cases initiated in 2024 alone.
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