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A small Pacific island nation scored a major victory for climate justice.<\/p>\n
Vanuatu, an archipelago of 320,000 people threatened by rising seas<\/a> and devastating storms<\/a>, is behind a landmark U.N. resolution that could hold carbon-polluting countries to account for failing to act on climate change.<\/p>\n Conservation International\u2019s climate lead, Emily Nyrop, explains what the resolution means and how it could advance climate justice.<\/p>\n Conservation News: To start, why is a move like this necessary?<\/strong><\/p>\n Emily Nyrop:<\/strong> This is a step toward balancing the scales of the climate crisis. The wealthiest and most polluting countries that are largely to blame for the climate crisis have shown little progress in supporting small countries that emit a fraction of greenhouse gases, yet are facing existential threats from its effects \u2014 particularly Pacific island nations like Vanuatu. Just last month, Vanuatu experienced rare back-to-back cyclones that the country\u2019s leaders are saying were made worse by climate change.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s talk about what this resolution does and doesn\u2019t do.<\/strong><\/p>\n EN:<\/strong> This resolution asks the International Court of Justice (ICJ)<\/a> \u2014 the leading global authority on international law, based in The Hague \u2014 to give an advisory opinion on whether countries have a legal obligation to address climate change \u2014 and to clarify the legal consequences of their actions, or lack thereof.<\/p>\n While an advisory opinion isn\u2019t legally binding, it does carry weight and a level of moral authority. This matters because it can be used to pressure governments and set precedents for future legal action that can hold polluting countries accountable. Take the Paris climate accord<\/a>, for example. It\u2019s a voluntary agreement that carries no concrete legal consequences if countries fail to act on their commitments. Depending on what it concludes, this opinion from the ICJ has the potential to change those voluntary pledges into legal obligations<\/a>. It\u2019s difficult to predict exactly when the ICJ will make its decision, however the U.N. has indicated a final decision could be issued within the next year<\/a>.<\/p>\n Looking ahead to the U.N. climate summit in the fall, this resolution could significantly influence how negotiations unfold. The biggest development to come out of last year\u2019s climate summit was the creation of a fund to compensate countries for losses and damages<\/a> caused by climate impacts, like hurricanes, droughts or sea level rise. While the details of that fund are still being negotiated, this resolution bolsters climate-vulnerable countries that are pressing for more funding to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.<\/p>\n Does this signal a turning point for climate justice?<\/strong><\/p>\n EN:<\/strong> Absolutely. Vanuatu\u2019s victory shows there\u2019s growing urgency around holding polluters accountable for their actions and ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left to bear the brunt of the climate crisis on their own. It\u2019s also important to note that this resolution was co-sponsored by 120 other countries<\/a>, including nations like France, Germany and Australia, which are among the largest contributors to cumulative carbon emissions<\/a>.<\/p>\n This really is a hallmark moment. It sends a strong message to wealthy countries that they cannot ignore the plight of climate-vulnerable communities \u2014 and that they have a responsibility to act on climate change, not only in their own countries but as part of a global community. The decision from the U.N. is not just saying climate justice is important, it is putting a legal stake in the ground, which has the potential to impact billions of people around the world.<\/p>\n Mary Kate McCoy is a staff writer at Conservation International. Want to read more stories like this? Sign up for email updates<\/a>. Also, please consider supporting our critical work<\/a>.Further reading<\/h2>\n
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