On December 4, 2024, the International Court of Justice heard presentations on climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for global action and climate justice. Brazil advocated for inclusive responsibility under international law, Canada highlighted the profound threats of climate change, and China called for equitable climate action. The court’s advisory opinion is anticipated in 2025, detailing states’ obligations in the face of climate challenges.
On December 4, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) commenced the second day of a ten-day hearing focused on climate change’s severe impacts, especially on Indigenous communities. Nations such as Brazil, Canada, and China presented arguments that highlighted the urgent need for collective global action and climate justice. The ICJ is considering the responsibilities of UN member states in relation to climate change, ultimately seeking to outline legal obligations to protect both human populations and ecosystems.
Brazil’s climate ambassador, Luiz Alberto Figueiredo, emphasized the country’s vulnerability to climate threats and its active role in global climate governance. He noted Brazil’s commitment to reduce emissions significantly by 2035 and called for consideration of the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC) principle, which assigns greater responsibilities to developed nations.
Supporting Brazil’s stance, Professor Jorge Galindo posited that past international agreements and tribunal decisions should guide current legal frameworks governing climate responsibilities. Canada also underscored the urgency of climate change, particularly in the Arctic and its devastating effects on Indigenous peoples. Canada’s representative, Louis Martel, advocated for collective accountability and adherence to international treaties.
Meanwhile, China’s representative, Ma Xinmin, argued for equitable climate action, condemning unilateral actions by developed countries that hinder the ability of developing nations to pursue sustainable development. Ma insisted that addressing climate change harmonizes directly with the rights of nations to develop sustainably while tackling historical emission disparities.
The ICJ’s advisory opinion, expected in 2025, may significantly influence international climate governance, delineating the legal expectations for states to mitigate climate change effectively and ensure equitable support for vulnerable populations.
The discussions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stem from a growing global recognition of the dire consequences posed by climate change, particularly towards marginalized communities such as Indigenous groups. With 98 countries presenting their cases, this legal deliberation arises from the need to hold nations accountable under international law for climate actions and inactions that affect populations and ecosystems alike. The ICJ is tasked with clarifying existing legal frameworks, including treaties and principles related to environmental responsibility, ensuring that equitable approaches are taken in addressing the challenges of climate change.
The hearings at the International Court of Justice represent a pivotal moment in international climate jurisprudence, addressing the urgent need for legal clarity regarding states’ obligations under international law. With diverse perspectives from countries such as Brazil, Canada, and China, the court will provide an advisory opinion that may shape future climate policies and ensure that vulnerable communities receive the necessary protections. As the world grapples with escalating climate impacts, these proceedings underscore the critical necessity for cooperative and just climate action.
Original Source: www.ipsnews.net
