On 29 March 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue an Advisory Opinion (AO) on States’ obligations in respect of climate change. The ICJ has now, for the first time in history, the mandate to clarify the legal obligations of States with regard to climate change under multiple sources of international law. The significance of this process cannot be overstated.
An unprecedented number of States and international organizations have participated in the proceedings, with the Court receiving a record 91 initial written submissions and 62 in the subsequent comments phase, when States and international organizations that provided initial input could comment on one another’s written statements. Following the completion of the written phase, the Court held two weeks of oral hearings, from 2 to 13 December 2024, in which a record ninety-eight States and twelve international organizations expressed their intention to participate.
Center for International Environmental Law, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change and World Youth for Climate Justice “Climate Justice Proceedings at the ICJ: Top Arguments to Watch For in the Written Submissions” briefing unpacks some of the key arguments addressed in the written submissions, presenting select excerpts to provide a snapshot of critical legal questions at the heart of the ICJ AO. It presents key contrasting positions of major polluters and the vast majority of participants, especially concerning issues that have crucial implications for climate justice. The aim is to provide insight into how countries and international organizations plan to build – or threaten to undermine – a safe and healthy world for present and future generations.
Learn more in the narrative summary sheet.
Published on December 17, 2024