What the international court said about states’ climate obligations
The July 2025 advisory opinion considered environmental duties and the consequences of breaching them.
The International Court of Justice issued its advisory opinion on states' obligations in respect of climate change on July 23, 2025. The judges examined duties under climate treaties and other rules of international law.
The court considered both the steps states are required to take and the consequences that can follow a breach. Those questions are separate. Establishing a general legal duty provides a starting point, while any later dispute would need to address the facts and legal requirements of that case.