UNs Top Court Begins Hearings on Landmark Climate Case [Video]

Ralph Regenvanu (L), Vanuatu’s special envoy on climate change and the environment, Arnold Kiel Loughman (C), attorney General of Vanuatu and Ilan Kiloe, legal advisor to the Melanesian Vanguard Group attend advisory opinion sessions at the ICJ in the Hague, Netherlands on Dec. 2, 2024. Selman Aksunger / Anadolu via Getty Images

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) — the United Nations’ highest court — began hearings on Monday in the biggest case in its history. The hearings involve what legal obligations States have when it comes to climate change.

The proceedings represent efforts by the international community to formulate a legal framework to address the climate crisis.

“Climate change for us is not a distant threat,” Vishal Prasad, director of Pacific Islands Students Fighting …