The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered a landmark advisory opinion declaring climate change an “existential threat” to the planet. The court ruled that countries must take urgent action to address the crisis by cutting greenhouse gas emissions, meeting global climate agreements, and protecting vulnerable populations and ecosystems.
According to ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa, greenhouse gas emissions are “unequivocally caused by human activities” and have cross-border effects. The court also stated that a “clean, healthy, and sustainable environment” is a human right, paving the way for future legal actions.
The ICJ’s ruling emphasizes that industrialized nations have a greater historical responsibility for emissions and must take the lead in combating climate change. Countries that signed the 2015 Paris Agreement must ensure their nationally determined contributions are “progressive” and reflect the “highest possible ambition.”
Environmental groups welcomed the decision, calling it a victory for small island and low-lying states and a powerful tool for holding countries accountable for their obligations. The court’s ruling carries significant weight and is likely to determine the course of future climate action worldwide.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/23/world-court-hearing-says-climate-change-is-urgent-and-existential-threat