Pacific communities celebrate World Court’s Advisory Opinion on climate change

August 15, 2025

On July 23, 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark Advisory Opinion affirming that states have a legal obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions and may be held legally responsible for failing to do so. The opinion originated from a campaign initiated in 2019 by law students from the University of the South Pacific who convinced the Vanuatu government to take climate injustice concerns to the ICJ. Following Vanuatu's leadership, the United Nations approved a resolution in March 2023 requesting the ICJ's opinion on states' obligations under international law regarding environmental protection.

Who is affected

Pacific Island nations and communities
Small states vulnerable to climate change
Nations responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions
Global populations impacted by climate change
University of the South Pacific students and the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change organization

What action is being taken

Pacific nations are celebrating the ICJ Advisory Opinion with events such as Vanuatu's victory march
The Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change is continuing their advocacy work
Pacific leaders are using the opinion to advocate for compensation and climate justice
The Pacific Community (SPC) is coordinating regional efforts related to the ICJ opinion
Pacific nations are working to leverage the opinion to hold polluting countries accountable

Why it matters

The opinion affirms states' legal obligations to prevent significant environmental harm
It provides a legal basis for Pacific nations to seek reparations for climate damage
The ruling shifts power dynamics, giving small states more leverage against major polluters
It transforms climate support from charity to a legal right
The case demonstrates how Pacific students without prestigious university backgrounds can create global change

What's next

According to Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's Minister of Climate Change, nations most responsible for emissions should be held accountable and provide resources to those most affected
Coordinated efforts across diplomacy, politics, litigation, and advocacy will be needed to turn this moment into a true turning point
The United Nations systems and global multilateral processes need to become more accessible to Pacific communities

Read full article from source: Global Voices