UN's top court opens hearing to deliver landmark decision on tackling climate change

THE HAGUE — The top United Nations court has opened a hearing to deliver an advisory opinion in a landmark case about nations’ obligations to tackle climate change and consequences they may face if they don’t. The president of the International Court of Justice is expected to read the non-binding opinion that is seen as a potential turning point in international climate law. The decision could serve as the basis for other legal actions, including domestic lawsuits, and legal instruments like investment agreements. The case is led by the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu and backed by more than 130 countries. All U.N. member states including major greenhouse gas emitters like the United States and China are parties to the court. Outside the court, climate activists gathered. They held a banner that read: “Courts have spoken. The law is clear. States must ACT NOW.” After years of lobbying by vulnerable island nations who fear they could disappear under rising sea waters , the U.N. General Assembly asked the International Court of Justice in 2023 for an advisory opinion, a non-bindiWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times