ICJ Says states liable for climate harm

Jubiliation followed the landmark ICJ advisory opinion on legal obligation of states to act against climate change on Wednesday in The Hague

Dhaka, July 23 – In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared that countries have a legal obligation to act against climate change and can be held responsible for environmental and human harm caused by their failure to do so.

The advisory opinion, delivered in The Hague on Wednesday, affirms that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a fundamental human right. It marks a major development in international climate law, stating that nations must assess climate risks, regulate polluting industries, and prevent transboundary harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

The ruling follows a 2023 resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly, led by Pacific Island nations and supported by countries like Bangladesh. The move came after sustained global campaigning, particularly by youth and civil society groups.

Welcoming the decision, Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet Global, said: “This is a turning point for climate justice. Polluters can no longer hide behind vague promises. They must act now or face consequences.”

Based in Bangladesh, YouthNet Global is a youth-led climate justice network that played a key role in global advocacy efforts leading to the ICJ opinion. The group called the ruling a reaffirmation of climate justice and generational equity.

“Reparations are not charity; they are justice,” added Rahman. “Countries like Bangladesh contribute the least to the crisis but suffer the most. This ruling must lead to accountability and fair compensation.”

Though non-binding, the ICJ opinion is expected to influence domestic and international courts and shape future climate negotiations. It also opens the door for claims of compensation from nations harmed by climate impacts.

In response, YouthNet Global outlined five key demands: enforceable climate accountability frameworks, debt relief and reparations for frontline nations, a rapid fossil fuel phase-out aligned with the 1.5°C target, protection for climate-displaced communities, and meaningful inclusion of youth, women, and indigenous leaders in climate decisions.

Bangladesh, increasingly affected by floods, river erosion, and sea-level rise, has welcomed the ICJ opinion as a vital step toward strengthening global recognition of climate loss and damage. - UNB