It ruled that countries can sue each other over climate change. The court emphasised that states have responsibilities to prevent harm beyond their borders caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Legal experts say this could have wide implications for environmental law.


The International Court of Justice issued the advisory opinion, the United Nations’ highest court, and the ruling is non-binding, meaning it does not demand that countries change their policies, but it can be referenced in future legal cases. Many poorer, climate-vulnerable nations backed the case, arguing that developed countries have not done enough to tackle climate change.