The landmark ruling that condemned Switzerland for climate inaction confirmed governments’ obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But what about their liability in the face of climate-related damages? The International Court of Justice will soon rule on this question in what could be a turning point for environmental justice. Are governments liable for the damages caused by climate change? The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial body of the United Nations, is currently tackling this question. Its advisory opinion expected early 2025 will be non-binding but could significantly reshape international law. On March 29, 2023, spearheaded by Vanuatu, a tiny Pacific island nation which is already facing rising sea levels, the United Nations General Assembly called on the International Court of Justice to clarify states’ obligations to tackle the climate crisis as well as their legal responsibilities regarding climate-related damages, particularly in ...
