The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a historic advisory opinion on climate change on Wednesday, stating that countries have an obligation to prevent harm to the climate system and could face compensation for failing to do so. The opinion, stemming from a global legal campaign initiated by 27 Pacific law students, explicitly targets fossil fuels and extends states' responsibilities beyond the Paris Agreement, encompassing environmental law, human rights law, and international customary law. The ruling was met with emotional responses from Pacific Island representatives present at the Peace Palace in The Hague, who described feeling heard and empowered by the court's decision.

The landmark ruling provides vulnerable communities, particularly in the Pacific Islands, with a legal mechanism to hold states accountable for climate inaction and demand climate action. The opinion directly links states' climate responsibilities to human rights and the lives of frontline communities, offering new tools for pursuing justice and redress for loss and damage. The Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), led by Vanuatu, played a pivotal role in bringing the case to the ICJ.

The ICJ's advisory opinion has significant implications for international climate law and provides a legal framework for holding nations accountable for their contributions to climate change. It is expected to be instrumental in future climate negotiations, including the upcoming COP30 in Brazil.

Impact Statement: This ruling significantly strengthens the legal basis for climate action and provides a powerful tool for vulnerable nations to pursue climate justice.