Do countries have a duty to prevent climate harm? The world’s highest court is about to answer this crucial question

<https://theconversation.com/do-countries-have-a-duty-to-prevent-climate-harm-the-worlds-highest-court-is-about-to-answer-this-crucial-question-261396>

"The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue a highly anticipated
advisory opinion overnight to clarify state obligations related to climate
change.

It will answer two urgent questions: what are the obligations of states under
international law to protect the climate and environment from greenhouse gas
emissions, and what are the legal consequences for states that have caused
significant harm to Earth’s atmosphere and environment?

ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding. But coming from the world’s
highest court, they provide an authoritative opinion on serious issues that can
be highly persuasive.

This advisory opinion marks the culmination of a campaign that began in 2019
when students and youth organisations in Vanuatu – one of the most vulnerable
nations to climate-related impacts – persuaded their government to seek
clarification on what states should be doing to protect them.

Led by Vanuatu and co-sponsored by 132 member states, including New Zealand and
Australia, the United Nations General Assembly formally requested the advisory
opinion in March 2023.

More than two years of public consultation and deliberation ensued, leading to
this week’s announcement."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics