The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue a historic advisory opinion on climate change obligations on July 23, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in global environmental governance.
The United Nations' highest judicial body will clarify nations' legal responsibilities regarding climate action and consequences for failing to protect the climate system, following a request from the UN General Assembly in March 2023.
Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the ICJ, will deliver the ruling during a public session at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
This culmination of a two-year process responds to growing frustration among vulnerable nations about the slow progress of international climate negotiations.
The initiative traces back to 2002, when Tuvalu first considered legal action against major emitters, followed by Palau's 2011 attempt to seek ICJ clarification, both hindered by political resistance.
According to SDG Knowledge Hub, the current proceedings gained momentum through a youth-led campaign, resulting in unprecedented participation from over 100 countries and organizations.
ICJ examined two central questions: the extent of states' obligations to protect the climate system under international law and the legal consequences for nations whose actions or inactions cause significant environmental harm, particularly affecting vulnerable states and future generations.
This advisory opinion joins recent climate jurisprudence from other international courts, including the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea's 2024 ruling and decisions by regional human rights courts.
While non-binding, the ICJ's interpretation carries substantial moral and legal authority, expected to influence future climate litigation and policy-making.
The ruling comes as African nations prepare their own request for an advisory opinion on climate-related human rights obligations, signalling a shift toward judicial clarification of climate responsibilities.
African countries, many of whom contribute less than 4% of global emissions but face disproportionate climate impacts, could use the ruling to demand stronger emissions cuts from high-polluting nations, push for loss and damage compensation in international negotiations, and support existing and future climate lawsuits.
ICJ opinion could empower African leaders, activists, and courts to demand bolder action or expose gaps in global climate justice.