ICJ Hearings on Climate Accountability: A Potential Turning Point for Global Climate Accountability?

This week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) begins hearings that could reshape how the world addresses climate accountability.

Vanuatu, a small island in the Pacific, is leading this initiative, that triggered the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to adopt a resolution requesting the advisory opinion. For these small islands, climate change isn’t an abstract threat—it’s an immediate reality marked by rising seas and devastating storms.?

Their question to the ICJ The official questions are:?

(a) What are the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG) for States and for present and future generations?

(b) What are the legal consequences under these obligations for States where they, by their acts and omissions, have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, with respect to:

• (i) States, including, in particular, small island developing States, which due to their geographical circumstances and level of development, are injured or specially affected by or are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change?
• (ii) Peoples and individuals of the present and future generations affected by the adverse effects of climate change?

The hearings follow frustrations from COP29, where many developing nations found the $300 billion annual climate finance pledge by 2035 inadequate.

The ICJ’s advisory opinion, expected in 2025, won’t be legally binding, but it could set a powerful precedent for courts worldwide.

At VECTRA, we believe these discussions are more than legal proceedings—they’re about fairness, accountability, and building a sustainable future for all.