Translated with AI
The International Court of Justice has issued an advisory opinion confirming that states have an international legal obligation to protect the climate system from the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, the court's press service reported.
The opinion was unanimous – the fifth time in the history of this judicial body. The court emphasized that despite the advisory nature of the document, it has serious legal and moral authority and can influence the formation of global climate policy.
The Court noted that under international law, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, all countries have obligations to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, and cooperate in good faith , develop national strategies and facilitate technology transfer and financing for adaptation measures.
Even outside these treaties, under customary international law , States are obliged to take reasonable steps to prevent significant harm to the environment and to cooperate with each other in this regard.
The Court ruled that failure to comply with climate commitments is considered an internationally wrongful act for which the country must bear responsibility: stop harmful actions, ensure their non-repetition and compensate for the damage caused , including financial compensation to the affected states.
The opinion paid particular attention to vulnerable countries and future generations . The Court recognized that the contribution of states to global emissions can be scientifically established, and even inaction , let alone direct violation, can entail liability.
One of the key points was the assertion that any state participating in international climate agreements can demand compliance with obligations from others , regardless of whether it is directly affected.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ruling, calling it “historic.” He called it “a victory for the planet and for climate justice,” and expressed hope that the court’s ruling would give new momentum to the global fight against climate change.
“The world must heed this call. We are at the dawn of a new energy era, and climate commitments must be at the heart of our collective agenda,” Guterres stressed. The hearings on this issue were the largest in the Court’s history , with 96 states and 11 international organizations taking part.
