Countries Could Be in Breach of International Law by Failing to Undertake Climate Action: ICJ

The ruling affirms states’ duty to prevent environmental harm and opens path to potential compensation claims.

The court rises during a hearing at the International Court of Justice, as part of the proceedings aiming to set a legal framework on how countries should tackle climate policy, in The Hague, Netherlands, on Dec. 4, 2024. Robin van Lonkhuijsen/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion on July 23 saying that countries could be in breach of international law if they fail to take adequate climate action.

Although the opinion is nonbinding, it is expected to influence climate-related litigation and global policy discussions. Legal experts say the ruling may provide a basis for countries to seek reparations for climate-linked damage.