What has been said at the landmark ICJ climate hearings?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Deutsche Welle or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Nearly 100 nations, led by vulnerable states like Antigua and Vanuatu, are urging the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to declare failing to reduce emissions as a violation of international law
• They argue big polluters must be held accountable for not meeting Paris Agreement targets
While any ICJ ruling will be advisory, it could shape future climate litigation

🔭 The context: Small island nations facing existential threats from rising seas and extreme weather are leading this push
• Countries like the US and China, however, argue that the ICJ’s involvement could undermine existing UN treaties like the Paris Agreement
• Critics accuse these major emitters of trying to evade accountability for their historical emissions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: An ICJ ruling could establish legal principles to compel large polluters to act and potentially compensate climate-vulnerable nations
• This could strengthen climate justice efforts and drive global accountability
• Conversely, a lack of decisive action risks perpetuating global inaction and worsening climate impacts

⏭️ What's next: The hearings continue as nations argue over the court's jurisdiction and authority
• A ruling in favor of climate-vulnerable nations could set a global precedent, while pushback from major emitters highlights the complexities of international climate diplomacy
• Final outcomes will likely influence future climate agreements and lawsuits

💬 One quote: “We find ourselves on the front lines of a crisis we did not create,” - Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change

📈 One stat: Barbuda saw nearly 50% of its houses destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, underscoring the rising toll of climate-driven extreme weather.

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change and public governance