Article by Eric Worrell
The United States is scheduled to file a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice on December 4.
ICJ meets scientists ahead of climate change opinion
Jon McGowan Contributor
November 26, 2024 at 04:07 pm ESTOn November 29, the judges of the International Court of Justice met with climate change scientists and looked forward to their advisory opinion on the obligations of states in relation to climate change. …
On March 29, 2023, at the request of Vanuatu, the UN General Assembly asked the International Court of Justice to issue an advisory opinion on the legal obligations of states to prevent climate change. The opinion, while non-binding, will provide an indicator of how the courts will interpret future climate-related litigation and guide future legislative developments.
The United Nations General Assembly raised two questions:
“What obligations do states have under international law to ensure that the climate system and other parts of the environment are protected from the effects of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases for all states and for present and future generations?”
“What are the legal consequences under these obligations if the actions and omissions of States cause significant damage to the climate system and other parts of the environment, with regard to: (i) States, in particular small island developing States, which are affected by their geographical environment and development (ii) Current and future generations of people and individuals who are adversely affected by, or particularly affected by, or particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change?
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The hearing will begin on Monday 2 December at 10am (CET). At 10:15, the Vanuatu and Melanesian Vanguard Groups will have one hour for opening arguments. All other parties have 30 minutes to present their arguments. The United States will be present on December 4 at 4:45 pm (CEST).
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Learn more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonmcgowan/2024/11/26/international-court-meets-with-scientists-ahead-of-climate-change-opinion/
ICJ Press Release (original text available here);
In my view, efforts to involve the International Court of Justice in climate policy represent a higher level of geopolitical absurdity. Where will it lead? International arrest warrants for national leaders who refuse to accept UN climate policy guidance?
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