The Hague, 16 August 2024 – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has officially received 62 written comments from various states and organizations concerning the advisory proceedings on the obligations of states in respect of climate change. This development follows the court’s order on 30 May 2024, which extended the deadline for submissions to 15 August 2024.
The advisory proceedings were initiated by a United Nations General Assembly resolution, seeking the court’s opinion on key legal questions related to states’ responsibilities in mitigating climate change and protecting vulnerable populations, especially small island developing states.
The wide array of submissions reflects the global concern over climate change. Participating states and organizations include major international players like the European Union, the United States, and the African Union, alongside numerous small island nations like Palau and Tuvalu, who are at the forefront of climate vulnerability.
Public hearings are scheduled to begin on 2 December 2024, with the court expected to provide clarity on the legal obligations of states under international law. The ICJ’s role in this case is particularly significant given the urgency of climate issues and the potential impact of the court’s advisory opinion on future international environmental policies.
“The participation of such a diverse group of nations underscores the universal importance of this issue,” said an ICJ representative. “The court’s upcoming opinion could set a precedent in how international law addresses climate change responsibilities.”
The court’s final advisory opinion could influence global climate change policies and reinforce the legal obligations of states to address the environmental crisis. This proceeding is one of the most anticipated in the ICJ’s recent history, with wide-ranging implications for international law and environmental protection.
