The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that all nations have a duty to address climate change under international law. The decision, which is advisory and not legally binding, finds that countries must limit greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and take measures to protect the climate system. If countries fail to curb their emissions, they could be held responsible for climate-related damages in other countries.
The ruling is a major victory for small island nations like Vanuatu, which has been at the forefront of climate change litigation. The ICJ’s decision could have significant international impacts, influencing hundreds of other climate change lawsuits around the world. It also provides new momentum for the climate movement, with activists hailing it as a strong message that there is still hope and reason to keep fighting.
The ICJ’s ruling takes into account the devastating impact of climate change on low-lying countries like Vanuatu, which faces dire risks from rising sea levels and intense cyclones. The court found that countries have an obligation under international law to protect the environment and human rights, including taking measures to mitigate climate change.
While the decision is not legally binding, it could be a boost for other climate change lawsuits pending in national courts around the world. Legal experts say it will create a new wave of climate litigation as countries face pressure to take action on climate change.
The case was championed by Vanuatu and other island nations, which argue that they are bearing the brunt of the problem despite producing a relatively tiny share of global emissions. The ICJ’s decision recognizes this reality and finds that states can be held responsible for specific damage caused by climate change.
The ruling comes at a critical time, with annual climate change negotiations taking place this fall in Brazil. Smaller nations will continue to push for compensation from wealthier countries for the damages from climate change, known as “loss and damage” payments.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/23/nx-s1-5475211/vanuatu-climate-change-un-court-justice