Countries are obligated to take “appropriate action” to protect the planet from the ravages of climate change, the International Court of Justice said in a landmark decision announced Wednesday at The Hague.
The United Nations’ top court said a “clean, healthy and sustainable environment” is a human right and countries have a legal obligation to do their part.
The court also found climate change poses an “urgent and existential threat” to the planet and underscored that greenhouse gas emissions are “unequivocally caused by human activities.”
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The decision, while nonbinding, is seen as a potential catalyst to compel nations to implement stronger climate policies. It could also open the door for further litigation against corporate polluters.
