Countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take measures against climate change, according to a new ruling from the International Court of Justice.
Policy advisory for the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition Oisin Coughlan said the move is a “demonstration of what a small group of people can achieve”.
“A group of young law students in the Pacific Islands started a campaign a few years ago to try to get this to the highest court,” he told The Pat Kenny Show.
“They didn’t think the world is doing enough – and their countries are actually under direct threat from sea level rise.
“They got their country, Vanuatu, to get the court to make a ruling, and that’s what happened; it took them six years.”
Climate and human rights activists demonstrate before the International Court of Justice. Image: © James Petermeier/ZUMA Press Wire. 23rd July, 2025.According to Mr Coughlan, under this declaration, countries that have experienced harmful climate change due to the actions of other nations would be able to sue for reparations.
“[The International Court of Justice] admit it would be challenging to unpack the levels of responsibility [of] different countries,” he said.
“But they don’t shy away from that.
“They kind of say that’s a legal matter that will have to be untangled in the courts in due course.”
The International Court of Justice, the UN's highest court, issued an advisory opinion on member states' obligations under international law to combat climate change and the legal consequences for those who emit greenhouse gases and fail to reduce them. Image: © James Petermeier/ZUMA Press Wire. 23rd July, 2025.Mr Coughlan said countries could also be held responsible for the harmful climate outputs of companies operating on their soil.
“What this means is that climate is going to be the subject of a lot more litigation over the next five-to-10 years,” he said.
“The more countries fail to live up to the promises they made under international or domestic law, this case basically says, ‘You could be liable’.
“Therefore, citizens in individual countries and countries in international arenas will take cases.”
Mr Coughlan said the ruling will also “feed into international negotiations”.
Main image: Climate and human rights activists demonstrate before the International Court of Justice. Image: © James Petermeier/ZUMA Press Wire. 23rd July, 2025.
