The International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Climate Change
The world’s highest court is about to deliver a groundbreaking ruling
Image: Peace Palace, used by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of the United Nations in Hague, Netherlands
A turning point for global climate responsibility
After years of grassroots organizing led by Pacific Island students, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) heard the largest climate case in its history this past December, with 98 countries and 12 international organizations participating in two weeks of hearings. Now, we’re waiting for an advisory opinion that could help us hold governments accountable for causing the climate crisis.
While the advisory opinions aren’t legally binding, they carry enormous moral and legal weight. This ruling will clarify the obligations of countries under international law to protect the Earth and its climate, as well as the consequences if they fail to do so.
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Why the ICJAO matters
This entire journey started with 27 students from the University of the South Pacific who refused to be silent as their islands disappeared. Our partner, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), launched a campaign to encourage the UN General Assembly to request this advisory opinion from the ICJ. Six of the world’s 195 countries are responsible for 63% of global carbon emissions. Therefore, we believe in supporting communities and giving those most impacted a platform to raise their voices and concerns.
The ICJAO process created rare opportunities for frontline communities to speak directly to international judges. Through the Witness Stand campaign, UUSC supported thousands of people who shared personal testimonies about how climate change has impacted their lives. Though our partners brought the world’s biggest problem to the world’s highest court, now it’s our job to ensure this potential advisory opinion is put to use through collective action.
Looking ahead: 2025 Timeline
The ICJ is expected to deliver its advisory opinion between July and September 2025. However, we don’t have to wait long for more climate victories, as the Inter-American Court of Human Rights is expected to deliver its own advisory opinion in the summer of 2025, specifically addressing climate-induced forced displacement. This will provide crucial legal guidance on protecting individuals forced to relocate due to climate-related impacts, complementing the ICJ’s broader ruling on state obligations.
As we await the court’s decision, we’ll be prepared to amplify the findings and connect them to our ongoing advocacy for climate justice. We are looking forward to translating legal precedent into concrete climate action to demand accountability from government and corporations.
