Mary Robinson says decision on 'world's biggest climate' case could 'hold polluters to account'

Ireland's former president Mary Robinson says the decision in 'the world's biggest climate case' could provide the foundation on which to 'hold polluters to account'.

Judges at the International Court of Justice are hearing evidence from a group of Pacific island law students with support from Vanuatu, which is facing the highest level of climate risks in the world because of rising seas and weather chaos.

The case kicked off at the Peace Palace in The Hague on Monday with Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change and environment, Ralph Regenvanu, saying "a handful of readily identifiable states" are responsible for the climate crisis. It comes after the UN General Assembly approved a resolution calling on the ICJ to provide an advisory opinion on what countries are legally required to do to fight the climate crisis.

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Elders chair Mary Robinson said: "This is the world's biggest climate case. The decision by the world's highest court can provide a robust foundation to hold polluters to account."

Vishal Prasad, Campaign Director of the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, said: "The climate crisis is an existential threat to the Pacific. For us, it is a matter of survival. The world isn't taking climate change seriously.

"Carbon pollution continues to rise as the window for action slowly closes upon us. Vulnerable communities who did not cause the climate crisis are already experiencing the most severe impacts of it.

"By seeking the clarification from the world's highest court, we're looking for guidance from the court that would be transformational in guiding ambition, accountability and fairness in the global climate response mechanism. We demand a strong Advisory Opinion that will uphold climate justice and human rights."

The ICJ will hear from almost 100 countries including big historic emitters like the USA, China, the UK, and Russia in the next two weeks as well as Pacific island states and countries like Bangladesh and Sudan, which have contributed very little climate pollution yet are suffering most because of the crisis.

Ireland will not make a statement as it is represented by the European Union.

ICJ judges will provide their opinion on the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and environment from greenhouse emissions for present and future generations as well as the legal consequences for acts or omissions that harm States, peoples and individuals.

The request for an advisory opinion was presented to the Court by the Secretary-General of the United Nations by a letter dated 12 April 2023. While the court's opinions are not legally binding, they will clarify the law and feature in future international climate negotiations.

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