The Verdict on Climate: The International Court of Justice and the Obligations of States

We discuss the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice on obligations of states in respect of climate change. We explore the key messages of the opinion, its potential impact on climate negotiations, including at COP30 and the lead-up to it, and its implications for historical emitters, developing countries, and national agendas such as Germany’s.  We also consider how this advisory opinion might influence government behavior internationally and future litigation cases.