Let’s hear what the World’s Highest Court has to say about Climate Change
World’s Youth for Climate Justice is a global campaign taking climate change and human rights to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to get an advisory opinion (AO).
The advisory opinion seeks to clarify the obligations of states to protect the rights of current and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change.
© A Parpaei / Holland Park Media
The World’s Youth Hail Historic Climate Ruling by World Court
The Hague, 23 July, 2025 - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its long-awaited advisory opinion regarding the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change, making clear that States and major polluters have a duty to protect people and take effective action to safeguard the climate system.
This is a turning point for frontline communities everywhere. The world’s top court has made it clear: polluting countries are legally bound to cut their emissions and compensate those already suffering the consequences.
Climate justice is no longer optional!
A Verdict for the Planet: Legal and Political Reflections on the ICJ Climate Ruling
The ICJ’s historic climate ruling is a defining moment for climate justice and international law. But what does it say and what are its implications?
Reaffirmation of Our Solidarity with Palestinians
Global Climate Justice Symposium
World’s Youth for Climate Justice Welcomes the Historic Advisory Opinion from the Inter-American Court on the Climate Emergency and Human Rights
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CIEL, WYCJ, and PISFCC publish ‘Top Arguments to Watch For’ from the Written Statements and Comments
World’s Youth for Climate Justice and Center for International Environmental Law, with the support of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, published Climate Justice Proceedings at the ICJ: Top Arguments to Watch For in the Written Submissions.
The document unpacks some of the key arguments addressed in the written submissions, presenting select excerpts to provide a snapshot of critical legal questions at the heart of the ICJ AO. It focuses on the most critical legal arguments, including questions of human rights obligations, transboundary harm, and the duties owed to future generations.
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Our campaign has gained widespread civil society support. Organizations can show their support by becoming a Friend of the Initiative.
Christiana Figueres
Christiana Figueres is the former Executive Secretary, UN Convention on Climate Change and Co-host of the podcast Outrage and Optimism.
Mary Robinson
Mary Robinson is the Chair of The Elders, former President of Ireland and the former UN High Commissioner on Human Rights
"I absolutely support an ICJ Advisory Opinion and I hope it will raise awareness on climate justice.”
“I would invite those who are involved in the AO to take a very broad view of the injustices that need a climate justice approach.”
Youth Climate Justice Handbook
The Youth Climate Justice Handbook presents the best and most progressive legal arguments on climate justice, responding specifically to the questions the UN General Assembly is requesting the International Court of Justice to answer. Consisting of three parts, the handbook also contains procedural and other relevant information that is a need-to-know for every State preparing for interaction with the Court, and a key resource for legal advocacy.
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