Major ICJ Ruling is a Key Milestone to Spur Global Climate Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a dramatic ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) opened the door to global lawsuits over climate change impacts. The court found that all countries have an obligation to address climate change under international law. This advisory opinion, while nonbinding, carries significant legal weight and moral authority. It is expected to influence future climate litigation and policy decisions globally, and comes as countries around the world are finalizing their plans to reduce climate pollution reduction and build more resilience to climate impacts, as mandated in the Paris Agreement. 

On the same day as the ICJ ruling, it was reported that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to roll back its "endangerment finding," which underlays American climate action and acknowledges the public health threat posed by climate pollution.

Following is reaction from Yamide Dagnet, international senior vice president at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“The students of Vanuatu dared to dream big and challenge the status quo, and it paid off with what could end up being one of the most important milestones in the global climate fight. While this is not the final chapter in the legal fight, it sends the clear signal to the world—yet again—that it is time to press the accelerator for resilient and green action.

“This is an astounding decision that validates some of the most ambitious climate priorities championed by vulnerable states over the last 50 years. It is a landmark moment for climate justice, social justice, economic justice, vulnerable communities and nations, which puts everyone on notice—not just governments, but non-state actors as well.

“This decision is a ray of sun for those of us pushing for faster climate action across the globe. It’s particularly meaningful for the people facing displacement by rising seas that threaten their nations’ very statehood.

“Crucially, the ruling now provides legal leverage to seek reparations from major emitters, including the fossil fuel industry. It comes the same week as the U.N. secretary general’s warning that the fossil fuel industry is `flailing and failing,’ in a world bound to transition to cleaner energy.

“The liability and cost of global inaction is too high to ignore, making the message of this ruling all the more essential in its ability to spur investment in climate solutions.”

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).