Essay by Eric Worrall

The US submission to the International Court of Justice is scheduled for December 4th.

International Court Meets With Scientists Ahead Of Climate Change Opinion

Jon McGowanContributor
Nov 26, 2024,04:07pm EST

On November 29, judges of the International Court of Justice met with climate change scientists in anticipation of its advisory opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change. …

On March 29, 2023, at the request of Vanuatu, the UNGA asked the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion on the legal obligations of countries in preventing climate change. The opinion, while non-binding, will give an indicator of how the Court may interpret future climate related litigation and guide future legislative development.

The UNGA asked a two questions:

“What are the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases for States and for present and future generations”?

“What are the legal consequences under these obligations for States where they, by their acts and omissions, have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, with respect to: (i) States, including, in particular, small island developing States, which due to their geographical circumstances and level of development, are injured or specially affected by or are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change? (ii) Peoples and individuals of the present and future generations affected by the adverse effects of climate change?”

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The hearings will open on Monday, December 2nd at 10am CEST. At 10:15, Vanuatu and Melanesian Spearhead Group will be given an hour to, in essence, make an opening argument. All other parties are given 30 minutes to make their arguments. The United States will present on December 4 at 4:45 pm CEST.

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Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonmcgowan/2024/11/26/international-court-meets-with-scientists-ahead-of-climate-change-opinion/

The ICJ press release (original available here);

In my opinion this effort to involve the ICJ in climate policy represents next level geopolitical absurdity. Where will it lead? International Arrest Warrants for national leaders who refuse to accept UN direction on climate policy?