EXPERT REACTION: International Court of Justice says states must act on climate change

The UN’s International Court of Justice has provided a ruling that defines a clear legal obligation for nations and states to address climate change. This is not unexpected as it has been a very clear responsibility in the science provided by large volumes from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC’s 30,000 volunteer scientists have shown the world, since 1992, the truth about climate change and how the science suggests the world can address it through nations and states.

However, the rogue states that are in climate denial will only be embarrassed by the global press as there can be no binding obligations. Nothing can be done by ICJ other than provide extra moral weight to the UN’s stance.

The major benefit in this ruling is to bolster the nations who are committed to do more and to help the nations like the small island states, to prepare for the worst. Australia should now play a much bigger role in our region.

The most significant point that is now being made by most states who agree with this ruling and are committed to net zero by 2050, is that the pathway to achieve this is unfolding so rapidly that leading nations, states and cities, will be the ones who achieve the most economic advantage. The rogue states will be left behind and history will show they gained nothing by trying to keep their fossil fuel-based economies going for as long as possible. See webinar on this ‘Why Donald Trump Cant Stop Net Zero’.