‘States Must Act Now’: Climate Activists Rally as ICJ Delivers Advisory Opinion on Climate Obligations

Edited By: Aminata Diallo

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has issued a long-awaited advisory opinion on climate change, responding to a legal request from vulnerable island nations seeking clarity on the responsibilities of states in combating global warming. The non-binding opinion, delivered on Wednesday by a panel of 15 judges, marks a significant moment in the growing push to establish legal accountability for environmental harm at the international level.

As the decision was announced, climate activists gathered outside the court, calling on governments worldwide to take urgent and decisive action. With signs reading “States Must Act Now,” protesters urged national leaders to respect their environmental obligations and respond to the accelerating climate crisis. Their message reflects rising frustration over what is widely seen as insufficient progress despite escalating climate risks.

Over the past decade, global sea levels have risen by an average of 4.3 centimeters, with parts of the Pacific experiencing even greater increases. Meanwhile, the planet has already warmed 1.3 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, largely due to the continued use of fossil fuels. The ICJ’s opinion adds legal weight to mounting scientific warnings, reinforcing that the climate emergency demands coordinated global responsibility — and fast.