Court to rule on climate needs
The International Court of Justice will soon determine states' legal and financial obligations to prevent climate harm.
The United Nations has adopted a resolution calling on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to provide an advisory opinion on climate change, which will examine the legal consequences for countries that damage the environment.
The four-year push, led by Vanuatu and other Pacific nations, has culminated in the support of 120 co-sponsors, including Australia and Jane Fonda.
The resolution was drafted by 18 countries, and the ICJ has been asked to rule on what obligations states have to protect the climate system, and the legal consequences for states that have caused significant harm to the climate system.
Although non-binding, the opinion could influence future court cases regarding climate change.
More details are accessible here.