The International Court of Justice, in its historic ruling, has asked countries to reduce carbon emissions to 1.5 per cent at all costs; failure to do so would result in financial penalties. The court overruled the conservative arguments presented by Australia and other high-emitting countries, such as the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia, seeking to justify the continuation of fossil fuel extraction.
As per international law, nation-states are now bound to rapidly reduce their carbon emissions below 1.5 degrees of warming. With the historic ruling, developed countries with high emissions are now bound to pay compensation to the countries and rebuild infrastructure and restore ecosystems damaged by climate change triggered by the emissions. "This is a victory for our planet, for climate justice, and for the power of young people to make a difference," said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
The court ruling is considered a big win for the climate activists, as it targeted the fossil fuel industry, stating that fossil fuel production, consumption, exploration licenses, or subsidies may commit an “internationally wrongful act.” With today’s decision, that can now be punished under international law. The court especially asked Albanese and the Australian government to cut down their emissions while urging Canberra to reduce emissions by 76 per cent by 2035.
According to the climate change authority, nations with high emissions of carbon must immediately take action to reach the target to reduce greenhouse gases by 65 per cent and 75 per cent by 2035. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is also known as the world court, for settling legal disputes between UN Member States and giving advisory opinions on legal matters brought or referred by the UN.
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