Page 18 - IB December 2024

Climate Change Climate Change

TAKING CLIMATE ACTIVISM TO THE ICJ

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has heard the largest case in its history: to clarify what
countries are legally required to do to combat climate change.
The case saw 96 countries and 11 international organisations speaking in the Peace Palace in
December. Led at the State-level by Vanuatu, it was initiated through efforts of a group of then-
law students, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC).
The ICJ has been asked to answer two questions: What are countries obliged to do under
international law to protect the climate and environment from human-caused greenhouse
gas emissions? And what are the legal consequences for governments where their acts, or

Jason Gagame at the Peace Palace. Photos: Ben Wheeler

Cynthia Houniuhi, President, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change -
International Court of Justice Hearings. Photo: ENB

Cynthia Houniuhi delivers her speech to the ICJ.

Sonia Nit (left) posts on social media from the Hague.

18 Islands Business, December 2024