The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations' highest court, have ruled that countries are legally obligated to cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. This includes the obligation under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.🌍
The Court also ruled that if countries breach the obligations then they have legal responsibility to demand loss and damage funding.💰
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the historic decision stating 'This is a victory for our planet, for climate justice and for the power of young people to make a difference'.💚
Reasons behind the decision:
- The Court highlighted countries' commitment to environmental treaties such as the Biodiversity Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, all obliging them to protect the environment for people worldwide and in future generations.
- The principle that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is essential for the enjoyment of human rights of which Member States are parties to numerous human rights treaties.
The impact: Although advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant legal and moral weight and help shape international law and helps us move closer to tackling the climate crisis.🤝
To read more about the decision head to World Court says countries are legally obligated to curb emissions, protect climate | UN News