"The biggest climate case in history"

12/04/2024 - It's described as the biggest climate case in history.

Earlier this week, the International Court of Justice began hearings involving 105 countries and international organizations in The Hague, Netherlands that could hold States and entities responsible for the climate crisis. The decision of the ICJ could lead to justice for climate-vulnerable countries, like those in the Pacific, and further define human rights for future generations.

“The outcome of these proceedings will reverberate across generations, determining the fate of nations like mine and the future of our planet,” Republic of Vanuatu Special Envoy Ralph Regenvanu said in his opening statement.

Human rights lawyer Julian Aguon, the founder of Guam-based Blue Ocean Law, leads the global legal team supporting Vanuatu. They also represent the Melanesian Spearhead Group and the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.“The crux of their collective argument is that, under international law, states have obligations: to act with due diligence to prevent significant harm to the environment; to protect and preserve the marine environment; to respect the right to self-determination; and to protect the human rights of present and future generations. Critically, their argument goes, the failure by a handful of States to fulfill these obligations constitutes an internationally wrongful act, triggering legal consequences – including reparations,” a press release from Blue Ocean Law explained.

In a statement to Marianas Press, Aguon said, “The conduct responsible for climate change has unleashed unspeakable suffering upon the peoples of the Pacific. From climate-induced relocations to the collapse of ancient cultural practices, our communities are paying the steepest price for a crisis we had no hand in creating. That is the definition of injustice. And that is why we've come to this Court. Because we believe - rather we know - that the conduct responsible for this suffering is unlawful. And it must cease.”