The world's highest court declared, on Wednesday, July 23, that states have a legal obligation to tackle climate change and that failing to do so was a "wrongful act" that could open the door to reparations.
The decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a UN court in The Hague that adjudicates disputes between nations, was closely watched by legal experts, who said the judges' opinion could mark a turning point for environmental justice and climate litigation around the world.
ICJ advisory opinions are not binding but carry considerable moral and legal weight, and Wednesday's decision was seen as the most consequential in a recent string of landmark climate rulings.
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