Landmark Climate Advisory Opinion Expected from ICJ in 2025

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to issue a landmark advisory opinion in 2025, clarifying states' obligations to protect the climate system from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Hearings that concluded in December 2024 involved representatives from 96 countries and 11 international organizations, highlighting the growing international demand for legal clarity on climate responsibilities.

The upcoming opinion is expected to affect international climate policy significantly and enhance accountability for major emitters. Multiple sources, including the Associated Press, Reuters, and Axios, have noted that this decision is anticipated to set a precedent in international law, reinforcing commitments made under UN treaties while addressing the concerns of vulnerable nations in this transformative legal process.