The United Nations' top court has declared that failing to curb emissions violates international law, marking a historic moment for global climate justice and setting the stage for future legal action against polluting states.
In a landmark advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday that countries must act collectively and ambitiously to address the 'urgent and existential threat' of climate change.
The court stated that under international law, the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is essential for the enjoyment of other human rights.
“Greenhouse gas emissions are unequivocally caused by human activities which are not territorially limited,” said Judge Yuji Iwasawa as he read the court’s opinion in The Hague.
He emphasized that nations are obligated to cooperate and implement “concrete emission reduction targets,” in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C.
Though the opinion is non-binding, legal experts see it as a powerful tool for future environmental litigation. Danilo Garrido of Greenpeace called it “the start of a new era of climate accountability at a global level.”
The case, initiated by the UN General Assembly after lobbying from Vanuatu and backed by over 130 nations, asked the ICJ to clarify states’ legal duties on emissions and consequences for climate inaction.
While small island and developing nations called for binding rules and financial support, wealthier states pointed to existing, largely non-binding agreements like the Paris Accord.
With nearly 3,000 climate lawsuits worldwide and global warming on track to exceed 3°C by 2100, campaigners say the ruling reinforces legal grounds for holding countries and corporations accountable.
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A remarkable discovery at the ancient ruins of Sanxingdui offers a glimpse into what appears to be otherworldly craftsmanship - an axe believed to have been made using material from a meteorite.
China is seeking to strengthen and upgrade its cooperation with Turkmenistan, focusing on what officials describe as “high-quality development” across a range of sectors.
Kazakhstan plans to boost trade with Afghanistan from $500 million to $3 billion, backed by infrastructure and transit projects designed to strengthen regional connectivity and improve access to global markets.
The Strait of Hormuz has reopened, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (17 April), although Washington warned its naval blockade on Iran would remain until a peace deal is reached.
The past 24 hours of the Russia-Ukraine war have seen a drastic escalation in both aerial bombardment and frontline losses.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, have said the Strait of Hormuz is now “completely open” to all commercial shipping for the remainder of the ceasefire period. Araghchi links the move to the ceasefire in Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that there was a "good chance" of a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel happening soon, after he announced a 10-day ceasefire between the two countries.
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 April), warning European countries against plans to step up UAV supplies to Kyiv.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that includes Hezbollah, raising cautious hopes of a pause in hostilities after weeks of escalating tensions.
Communities in Mexico have taken to the streets to protest against an ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has killed wildlife and damaged coral reefs over several weeks.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the Earth’s climate system is becoming increasingly unstable, with new evidence showing a growing imbalance in how the planet absorbs and releases energy.
China is preparing for a year of extreme weather in 2026, with authorities warning the country could face both severe flooding and widespread drought, underscoring mounting climate pressures.
Heavy rain, flash floods and lightning strikes across Afghanistan have killed 28 people and destroyed hundreds of homes in Kabul, Herat and other provinces.
Central Asia is stepping up efforts to address rapid glacier melt, following United Nations warnings of unprecedented climate pressure on mountain ecosystems.
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