Navigating Climate Accountability: Legal Challenges and Moral Imperatives

What if countries could sue each other for wrecking the climate? Well, that’s now a real possibility after a decision by the UN’s top court, the International Court of Justice (the ICJ). The court made the decision after a group of young law students from low-lying Pacific islands on the frontlines of climate change started a campaign in 2019. But critics say it will be hard to untangle who caused what when it comes to climate change — and that they’re already making good progress when it comes to reducing harm to the environment.

BBC Climate and Science Correspondent Georgina Rannard talks us through what this decision means and how it could impact future climate cases. And we hear from two of the young campaigners who helped bring this case to the ICJ, who tell us what this decision means to them and their communities.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde