Overview

• The International Court of Justice will issue its advisory opinion on July 23 defining states’ duties under international law to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
• The court will clarify two issues: the scope of state obligations to safeguard the climate and potential legal consequences for actions or omissions that inflict significant harm.
• Vulnerable Pacific Island nations spearheaded the request to secure equity and compensation, while top emitters like the United States and India argued that the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement already set sufficient standards.
• As nonbinding guidance, the opinion faces criticism for lacking enforcement mechanisms and allowing major polluters to disregard its conclusions.
• Experts say the ruling’s persuasive authority may strengthen over 3,000 ongoing climate lawsuits and influence tougher emissions policies worldwide.