Landmark opinion says those that fail to prevent climate harm could be liable for compensation and restitution
States must tackle fossil fuels, the world’s top court has ruled, and failing to prevent harm to the climate could result in them being ordered to pay reparations.
In a landmark advisory opinion published on Wednesday, the international court of justice (ICJ) said countries must prevent harm to the climate system and that failing to do so could result in their having to pay compensation and make other forms of restitution.
Presenting the 133-page document to a packed court at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the ICJ president, Yūji Iwasawa, said climate breakdown had severe and far-reaching consequences which affected natural ecosystems and people. “These consequences underscore an urgent existential threat,” he said.
The unanimous opinion covers a wide range of matters under international law. It says states are liable for all kinds of activities that harm the climate, but it takes explicit aim at fossil fuels.
