During 2-13 December, the International Court of Justice held two weeks of oral hearings in advisory proceedings concerning ‘Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change’. The Court is expected to render its advisory opinion in the coming year.
The case has been hailed as ‘historic’ from the start. While formally not binding on them, the Court’s opinion will authoritatively restate the scope of State duties in the field of climate change, and also pronounce on legal consequences arising for States that have caused significant harm to the climate system. During the oral proceedings, over 100 states and other participants made submissions on these issues, often detailing the impact of climate change on their countries.
Members of 11KBW were closely involved in the proceedings, with Paul Reichler acting for Palestine and Christian J. Tams presenting Zambia’s submissions. Prof. Philippe Sands KC and Remi Reichhold (along with Kate Cook) prepared the written submissions of Mauritius, which did not attend the hearings.
Prof. Philippe Sands KC was interviewed by Carbon Brief on the legal issues at stake and the wider significance of the ICJ case. The full interview can be found here:
The case has been covered by The Guardian, Forbes, The Washington Post, United Nations and Yahoo News.
If you would like more information on our Public International Law Team or instructing our members, please contact clerksteam@11kbw.com.
