The Government of Vanuatu, in collaboration with youth climate advocates and legal experts, is calling on the international community to prepare for a landmark moment in climate law. This comes as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to issue its first advisory opinion on climate change.
During a virtual media briefing in advance of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, emphasized that the world stands at a critical juncture. He warned that significant climate impacts are accelerating, highlighting that scientists have warned that action must be taken within five years to mitigate irreversible climate change.
Regenvanu pointed out alarming statistics, stating that 2024’s sea levels were 37% higher than expected, with unprecedented ocean temperatures contributing to dire consequences for marine life. Over 84% of the world’s coral reefs have been subjected to temperatures causing massive bleaching, marking the largest bleaching event ever recorded. The migration of fish species to cooler waters is further disrupting marine ecosystems.
Despite Vanuatu’s minimal contributions to climate change, the nation, along with other small island states, faces severe climate-related impacts that threaten their economies and communities. The legal obligations of states regarding climate change have never before been clarified in such a manner, making this ICJ advisory opinion vitally important.
Two years ago, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 77/276, which called on the ICJ to clarify the duties of states under international law to protect the climate and the consequences of causing significant harm. Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, an international lawyer for Vanuatu, noted that these questions aim to provide clarity on existing laws and establish accountability.
The court’s decision is anticipated later this year, with Wewerinke-Singh stressing its potential to raise political ambition regarding climate commitments. She highlighted the urgent need for this legal clarity amidst rising emissions and evolving international policies, as it could influence demands for financing, technology transfers, and reparations.
Youth-led campaigns have been instrumental in advocating for this legal progress, with leaders like Vishal Prasad from the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change underscoring the urgency for bold action in light of climate impacts. He described the upcoming advisory opinion as a defining moment that should affirm the climate crisis as a matter of justice.
While the ICJ opinion will be non-binding, its legal and political influence is expected to be significant, shaping behaviors and expectations across the globe. Minister Regenvanu expressed optimism that regardless of the outcome, the experience of engaging with the ICJ marks a significant moment for small island nations, reshaping political discourse and commitment to climate action.
As the global community anticipates the ICJ’s ruling, discussions at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference will seek to solidify commitments, particularly towards preserving marine ecosystems and achieving the 30 by 30 goal aimed at protecting biodiversity.
The movement towards climate justice is gaining traction, with the ICJ’s advisory opinion poised to provide a robust legal foundation necessary for addressing the climate crisis and advocating for vulnerable frontline communities.
The sentiments shared in Vanuatu echo a broader call across the Pacific for legal frameworks to catch up with the science of climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for enforceable international agreements to safeguard not just the environment, but the livelihoods and futures of entire communities.
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