On July 23, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion that many are regarding as a groundbreaking legal moment for the fight against climate change. But what was included in the actual opinion? What does this mean for the future of climate litigation? And most importantly, what will this mean for the future of climate action?
To answer all these questions and more, we talk to Dr. Maria Antonia Tigre, the Director of Global Climate Change Litigation at the Sabin Center. She explains how this decision sets a new precedent in international law by recognizing the extensive legal obligations countries have in combating climate change. We explore how the opinion integrates customary international law, human rights, and environmental treaties, offering a robust framework for future climate cases. Dr. Maria Antonia Tigre also details the fascinating backstory of how a class project from the University of South Pacific in Vanuatu evolved into a global movement, culminating in this historic opinion. She shares insight into the legal community's reaction, the potential ripple effects on domestic and international cases, and the strengthened legal arguments that could emerge from this decision. We also explore the role science played in informing the court's decision, particularly the emphasis on the 1.5-degree threshold as a legal standard. Finally, we discuss the broader implications for fossil fuel regulation, climate reparations, and the responsibilities of both developed and developing nations.
Dr. Maria Antonia Tigre is the Director of Global Climate Change Litigation at the Sabin Center. She manages the Sabin Center's Global Climate Change Litigation Database with the support of the Sabin Center's Peer Review Network of Climate Litigation. Maria Antonia is a leading expert in the field of climate change law and climate litigation, having published dozens of articles on the topic. She also co-heads the Sabin Center and GNHRE's project on Climate Litigation in the Global South.
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