Published: December 3rd, 2024,
Last updated: May 28th, 2025

To what extent does international law oblige states to protect the climate? What are the consequences if they fail to live up to their responsibilities? Hearings on these questions have been taking place at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague since Monday. It is also a historic procedure due to its scope: Until Dec. 13, more than 100 states and organizations will be heard by the ICJ, including major emitters such as the USA, China, and European states, but also countries particularly affected by the climate crisis such as Bangladesh, Tuvalu, and Pakistan.