Overview

• The International Court of Justice unanimously affirmed that multilateral environmental treaties impose binding duties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bolster adaptation efforts.
• The court determined that states’ failures to uphold climate obligations constitute internationally wrongful acts susceptible to restitution, compensation or satisfaction.
• Judges recognized the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as fundamental to rights such as life, health and an adequate standard of living.
• Although advisory in nature, the opinion carries significant moral and juridical weight and is poised to shape future climate litigation and UN negotiations.
• The advisory consultation was launched by a 2023 UN General Assembly resolution at Vanuatu’s request and has garnered support from more than 130 nations, particularly Pacific and Global South states.