New Delhi: In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial body of the United Nations, has declared that climate change poses an “existential threat of planetary proportions,” affirming the urgent warnings long voiced by climate scientists.
Delivering the court’s advisory opinion in The Hague, ICJ President Iwasawa Yuji stated that greenhouse gas emissions are “unequivocally” driven by human activity. He emphasized the devastating impact of climate change, saying, “The consequences of climate change are severe and far-reaching. They affect both natural ecosystems and human populations. These consequences underscore the urgent and existential threat posed by climate change.”
The ICJ addressed two key legal questions in its ruling:
- What are the obligations of states under international law to combat climate change for the benefit of present and future generations?
- What are the legal consequences for states that fail to meet those obligations?
In response to the court’s opinion, Mohamed Adow, Director of the Nairobi-based think tank Power Shift Africa, told IANS: “This ruling is a rocket boost for climate justice. The ICJ has confirmed what Africa has long demanded — that wealthy nations must be held accountable for the harm their emissions have caused.
“For a continent like Africa — least responsible for the crisis, but most impacted — this decision is a lifeline. It bolsters our call for reparations, debt relief, and genuine climate finance — not loans that further deepen poverty.
“The era of polluters hiding behind vague promises is over. Africa refuses to be a sacrificial lamb for the excesses of others. The law now supports our moral argument. It’s time for rich nations to settle their climate debts and support a fair transition powered by Africa’s renewable energy potential.”
Established in 1945 under the UN Charter and operational since April 1946, the ICJ consists of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. The court is headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.
With inputs from IANS