The world’s highest court has found states could be legally pursued for failing to act on the “urgent and existential threat” of climate change, opening up a new avenue of damages claims against the biggest historical polluters.
The International Court of Justice, which adjudicates disputes between countries, said on Wednesday that states had an obligation to cut greenhouse gas emissions under both climate treaties and international law.
The unanimous finding by the panel of 15 judges reshapes international law by clarifying that climate obligations in treaties such as the Paris Agreement are legally binding within the broader system of human rights and environmental law, and countries face legal consequences if they fail to act.
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