The Netherlands’ The HagueIn its ruling on nations’ legal obligations to combat climate change and face the repercussions of their contributions to global warming, Vanuatuon urged the top U.N. court on Monday to acknowledge the suffering caused by the phenomenon.
During two weeks of proceedings, Vanuatu, one of the small island governments leading the push to have the World Court issue a so-called advisory opinion, was the first of over 100 states and international organizations to voice their opinions.
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change and the environment, told the court, “We find ourselves on the front lines of a crisis we did not create, a crisis that threatens our very existence.”
A solution to climate change that is grounded in international law rather than politics is desperately needed, according to Regenvanu.
We turn to the court to acknowledge that the behavior that has already harmed my people and countless others is illegal, that it must stop, and that its effects must be fixed,” he added.
The hearings started a week after developing countries denounced the outcome of the COP29 summit, which saw richer countries promise to give $300 billion in climate funding year by 2035 to help poorer countries deal with climate change, as dreadfully insufficient.
The World Court’s or the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions are important from a legal and political standpoint, even if they are not legally binding. Experts predict that litigation pertaining to climate change in courts from Europe to Latin America and beyond will likely reference the court’s final ruling on the issue.
Cynthia Houniuhi, a teenage climate activist from Solomon Islands, told the judges that a tiny group of nations that release greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change presently control the future of young people in small island states.
You have the ability, as World Court judges, to help us reorient and restore faith in humanity’s capacity to tackle the biggest problem of our time, she remarked.
Saudi Arabia also addressed the court on the first day of proceedings, urging it to exercise caution in rendering a legal ruling, claiming that the United Nations’ climate change treaties already fully address the obligations of states.
On behalf of the Saudi government, Prince Jalawi Turki al Saud stated that any duties or penalties that surpass or contradict those outlined in the climate change specialized treaty regime run the danger of compromising its integrity and obstructing further advancements.
Crude oil, a fossil fuel that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, is the most exported commodity in the world by Saudi Arabia.
Germany also contended earlier on Monday that the Paris Climate Agreement outlined governments’ responsibilities with regard to climate change.
The court will hear arguments from the top two greenhouse gas emitters in the world in addition to small island governments and several Western and developing nations.The United States is scheduled to provide its opinions on Wednesday, while China will speak on Tuesday. A revised schedule released by the court late Monday states that OPEC will not be speaking before the court.
The hearings are scheduled to conclude on December 13. In 2025, the court’s opinion is anticipated to be given.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!