A landmark climate change case will open at the top U.N. court
NPR Online NewsDec 01
ICJ Begins Historic Climate Change Hearings
Above: Attendees to the advisory opinion sessions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to determine states' obligations on climate in the Hague, Netherlands on Dec. 2, 2024. Image copyright: Michel Porro/Anadolu/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The International Court of Justice (ICCJ) opened its largest-ever case on Monday, with arguments scheduled to be heard from around 100 countries regarding what nations should be legally obligated to do to address climate change.
The case originated from a campaign made by Pacific Island law students, which received unanimous support from the UN General Assembly in March to proceed with the hearings.
The Spin
Narrative A
Rich countries that caused this climate crisis through significant carbon pollution must aid weaker and island nations facing climate threats by funding adaptation projects, investing in renewable energy, and transferring to green technology. Small states like Vanuatu and Tuvalu face rising seas, with survival dependent on others making global emissions cuts to prevent further devastation.
Narrative B
Climate campaigns, even from island nation politicians, are using fear to push an agenda. Claims such as the threat facing polar bears, the Great Barrier Reef dying, and sinking Pacific islands have already been disproven; most atoll islands are growing due to natural processes. If alarmists get their way, these costly climate programs will economically destroy vulnerable countries.