The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has issued a landmark decision, stating that countries failing in their climate efforts may face legal consequences. Sweden's Climate and Environment Minister, Romina Pourmokhtari, supports the ruling, emphasizing the need for stronger global climate action. The decision could lead to more environmental legal cases and potential compensation claims from affected nations.
International Court Tightens Stance on Climate Offenders
International Court Tightens Stance on Climate Offenders
Countries failing in their climate efforts risk facing compensation claims. This was established by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in a unique decision on Wednesday. "Sweden welcomes the ICJ's opinion on state obligations," writes Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari to SVT.
Countries not taking strong measures against climate change may be violating international law. The announcement from the UN's International Court of Justice in The Hague on Wednesday means there could be legal consequences for countries not acting against climate destruction.
Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) is pleased with the court's opinion.
"Sweden welcomes the International Court's opinion on state obligations regarding climate change. The level of ambition in global climate work is currently insufficient," she writes in a comment to SVT.
Potential for Compensation Claims
Observers see the ICJ's statement as a shift in international environmental law. This could lead to several environmental legal processes and allow countries affected by environmental changes to claim compensation.
Jonas Ebbesson, professor of environmental law at Stockholm University, welcomes the court's opinion.
– It is very gratifying but not at all surprising, he tells SVT, adding that even countries that have left the Paris Agreement on global climate may now be forced to take legal responsibility for shortcomings in their climate policy.
Record-Breaking Hearing
Before the decision, the ICJ held hearings with 98 countries and a dozen cooperative organizations that were allowed to present their views, writes SVT. It is the largest hearing in the court's 80-year history.
The International Court's decision may open for a reconsideration of the so-called Aurora case in Sweden, according to SVT. The Swedish environmental group Aurora sued the Swedish government for shortcomings in climate work, but the Supreme Court ruled in February that the case cannot be tried in Swedish court.
Following the ICJ's opinion, Aurora plans to file a new lawsuit against the Swedish state, according to SVT.