The World Court will wrap up its hearings on Friday ( Dec 13 ) on countries ‘ legal responsibilities to combat climate change and whether large states that contribute the most to greenhouse gas emissions may be held accountable for harm to small island nations.
The International Court of Justice may possibly make an opinion on those issues in 2025 that might be used in global climate change-driven dispute.
During two days of trials, rich countries of the global north loosely argued that existing climate agreements like the Paris Agreement, which are essentially non-binding, should be the basis for deciding places ‘ responsibilities.
For their part, developing countries and small island says that are most affected by climate change sought tough measures to reduce emissions and want to impose regulations on financial aid from rich poisoning countries.
” On the present direction of greenhouse gas emissions, Tuvalu may disappear completely beneath the waves”,  , Eselealofa Apinelu, representing the little island position, told the courts. The organization, the best UN courtroom for disputes between states, held hearings where nearly 100 states and organizations took part. Small isle nations had spearheaded efforts to request an expert opinion from the UN General Assembly.
World Court ideas are not bound, but carry legal and political pounds. According to experts, the judge’s position on weather change had set a precedent for climate change-driven claims in authorities from Europe to Latin America and beyond.
The strength of an Judge mind lies not only in its immediate protection, but also in the clear message and direction it will provide to the numerous courts around the world that are tasked with resolving the issue of state obligations to address the climate emergency and prevent climate harm, according to Nikki Reisch, director of the Center for International Environmental Law’s Climate &, Energy Program, who spoke to Reuters.  ,
The trials with Pacific island state Vanuatu, which urged judges to acknowledge and repair the harm caused by climate change, began in early December.  ,