Summary
The International Court of Justice provided an advisory opinion stating that all countries need to work on climate change. If countries do not take action, they might have to pay for the damage their emissions cause. The ruling came after small island nations and activists pushed for international attention on the issue.
Key Facts
- The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion on climate change.
- All countries must address climate change, as it is linked to human rights.
- Countries that do not reduce emissions could have to pay reparations for environmental harm.
- Restitution may include repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring ecosystems.
- The exact amount for compensation can be hard to calculate because damage can be uncertain.
- This ruling was requested by the U.N. General Assembly and influenced by Pacific Island activists.
- The opinion serves as guidance to other courts and governments but is not legally binding.
- Implementation of the court’s guidance is uncertain and depends on countries' willingness to follow the advice.
