ICJ: States Liable for Climate Inaction, Reparations Possible

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered a landmark advisory opinion declaring that all states are legally obligated under international law to combat climate change, regardless of Paris Agreement participation. The opinion, led by Vanuatu and backed by over 130 countries, asserts that failure to take sufficient action on greenhouse gas emissions can be considered an internationally wrongful act, potentially allowing climate-vulnerable nations to seek reparations from major polluters. The ICJ underscored that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a human right and highlighted the existential threat climate change poses to island and developing states. The ruling places special responsibility on wealthier countries and those with higher historical emissions to take the lead in climate action and fulfill international agreements. While non-binding, the decision is expected to drive new waves of global and domestic climate litigation. Some countries, including the UK, have raised concerns about increased legal and financial liability, but many governments and advocates see the opinion as a milestone for climate justice.