The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will release its first advisory opinion on climate change on Wednesday. The opinion, resulting from a case brought by Vanuatu and other nations, will address countries' responsibilities to prevent climate change and potential consequences for polluters. The court considered tens of thousands of pages of submissions and two weeks of oral arguments, aiming to create a definitive international standard from existing environmental law. The opinion is expected to clarify nations’ obligations and address the question of legal consequences for major contributors to the climate crisis.

Vanuatu argued that the ICJ, with its broad jurisdiction, is uniquely positioned to address the issue comprehensively, including aspects of human rights law and the laws of the sea. Conversely, major fossil fuel-producing countries, such as the United States, pointed to the 2015 Paris Agreement as sufficient legal framework. Vanuatu's Minister for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, expressed hope the ICJ would declare addressing climate change a legal obligation, highlighting the historical injustices and the need for reparations for past harm. Vishal Prasad, a climate activist involved in initiating the case, emphasized the existential threat climate change poses to Pacific Island nations.

Impact Statement: The ICJ's opinion could significantly influence international climate law and future climate negotiations, potentially impacting the responsibilities of nations and the pursuit of climate justice.