UN Court Backs Climate Lawsuits Between Countries Over Fossil Fuel Harm

In a historic decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared that countries can sue each other over the damages caused by climate change—including for past emissions of planet-heating gases. While the ruling is advisory and not legally binding, legal experts believe it could significantly shift how climate justice is pursued globally.

As reported by BBC News, this case was sparked by young law students from Pacific Island nations, some of the most climate-vulnerable places on Earth. One of them, Siosiua Veikune from Tonga, called the win “emotional” and a sign that their suffering is finally being recognized. The court agreed that if a nation fails to create ambitious climate plans—or continues to Support fossil fuels—it may be breaching its international obligations, even if it isn’t party to the Paris Agreement.

Judge Iwasawa Yuji confirmed that developed nations can be held accountable for failing to act or for propping up oil and gas companies. This could pave the way for climate-vulnerable countries to seek financial compensation for climate-related destruction, like the $9 billion cost of adapting the Marshall Islands or the homes destroyed in Vanuatu by cyclones.

Although countries like the US aren’t under the ICJ’s jurisdiction, this ruling could still influence lawsuits in domestic courts globally. Campaigners now hope it will increase pressure on fossil fuel giants and wealthy nations to pay up for their role in heating the planet.

It’s a legal turning point—and one rooted in grassroots activism. That’s a big deal.

Let’s back the countries standing up for our shared future and demand that governments stop subsidising fossil fuels and start funding justice.

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