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11mo ago

International Tribunal Calls for Global Reduction of Greenhouse Gases to Protect Oceans

ITLOS issues advisory opinion asserting legal obligations for nations to cut emissions and support vulnerable states.

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Properties in Funafuti, the capital of the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu
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IN FLIGHT, GREENLAND - MARCH 30: Sea ice is seen from NASA's Operation IceBridge research aircraft off the northwest coast on March 30, 2017 above Greenland. NASA's Operation IceBridge has been studying how polar ice has evolved over the past nine years and is currently flying a set of eight-hour research flights over ice sheets and the Arctic Ocean to monitor Arctic ice loss aboard a retrofitted 1966 Lockheed P-3 aircraft. According to NASA scientists and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), sea ice in the Arctic appears to have reached its lowest maximum wintertime extent ever recorded on March 7. Scientists have said the Arctic has been one of the regions hardest hit by climate change. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has issued a non-binding opinion on countries' obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The ruling states that greenhouse gases are pollutants harming the marine environment, necessitating urgent action from all nations.
  • Wealthier nations are expected to shoulder a greater burden and provide support to developing countries in their climate efforts.
  • The opinion could influence future rulings by other international courts, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
  • This marks a significant step for small island nations seeking climate justice and accountability from major polluters.