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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on BBC News or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a landmark advisory opinion confirming that countries can sue each other over climate change harms, including for historical emissions
• The court ruled that states have legal obligations under international law to prevent environmental harm — even beyond commitments in the Paris Agreement
• While non-binding, the ruling could reshape global climate litigation, opening new legal avenues for vulnerable nations seeking climate-related compensation
🔭 The context: This case was initiated by Pacific Island students and formally brought by Vanuatu and other climate-vulnerable nations frustrated with global inaction
• It builds on momentum from other international courts — including a recent Inter-American Court opinion — and increasing climate lawsuits worldwide
• Historically, legal accountability for climate change has been limited by jurisdiction and scientific uncertainty over attribution
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The decision affirms that all states — even those outside the Paris Agreement — must act to protect the climate system
• It reinforces legal arguments for holding high-emitting countries accountable for climate damages, particularly through compensation claims
• It also puts pressure on governments to ensure domestic fossil fuel subsidies and approvals do not breach international obligations
⏭️ What's next: Countries like Vanuatu, the Marshall Islands, and others are now exploring legal action for climate-related damages, potentially in national courts citing the ICJ’s opinion
• While major emitters like the US and China have not accepted ICJ jurisdiction, the ruling could influence legal strategies globally, especially in courts where these countries are bound
• National governments will be closely scrutinizing the ruling’s implications for their climate and energy policies, particularly regarding fossil fuel subsidies and project approvals
💬 One quote: “With today’s authoritative historic ruling, the International Court of Justice has broken with business-as-usual... those suffering the impacts of climate devastation have a right to remedy for climate harm,” – Joie Chowdhury, Senior Attorney, Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
📈 One stat: Between 2000 and 2019, climate change-related losses were estimated at $2.8 trillion globally — equivalent to $16 million per hour (Nature, 2023)
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