ICJ Concludes Hearings on Climate Change Responsibility

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has concluded a historic case led by Vanuatu and other Pacific island nations.

The case focused on who should bear legal responsibility for the worsening climate crisis.

Over two weeks, more than 100 nations presented arguments.

Vulnerable countries, including Vanuatu, emphasised the existential threat they face and called for international law to protect the planet.

In contrast, a small group of major polluters, including the US, UK, and China, opposed legal accountability.

The ICJ’s judges are now considering two key questions: what countries legally must do to combat climate change, and what happens when they fail to act.

This case reflects growing frustration with the slow progress in global climate negotiations.

A decision, expected in 2025, could reshape how nations address the climate crisis and hold polluters accountable.