World Court says failure to meet climate goals could lead to reparations

The UN's top legal body, the International Court of Justice, has ruled that countries that fail to meet their climate commitments may be violating international law and could face paying reparations to countries suffering the consequences.

In a unanimous advisory opinion delivered on Wednesday, the ICJ declared that wealthy and high-emitting nations are legally obliged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, curb fossil fuel production and subsidies, and establish ambitious climate plans linked to the Paris Agreement.

Judge Yuji Iwasawa emphasized that a "clean, healthy, and sustainable environment" is a recognized human right and that failure to take adequate climate action may amount to internationally wrongful conduct, leading to reparations for states harmed by climate impacts.

The advisory is non-binding, but small island nations and low-lying states, as well as environmental groups, celebrated the landmark ruling.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the decision, describing it as a "victory for our planet."