International Court of Justice emphasizes binding nature and enables climate reparations

The ICJ’s advisory opinion confirms that states have a legal obligation under international human rights law and international environmental treaties, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, to make every effort and take all necessary measures to protect the climate and ensure a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a basis for the protection of human rights and intergenerational justice. The ICJ’s decision follows another advisory opinion issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights a few weeks ago, which also reaffirmed the right to a healthy climate.