Is ICJ's ruling on climate change merely symbolic?

In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 23, 2025, announced countries and territories are obligated to combat climate change through efforts to the best of their capabilities. Climate change poses an “urgent and existential threat,” the court said. It held that climate action is not based on any one law but is rather a mix of international law provisions like the UN charter, and international treaties like the Kyoto Protocol, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Paris Agreement, among others, and that they should influence the actions that member states take to protect the environment. The Court also ruled that countries bear the responsibility of protecting the earth’s climate systems, reduce emissions and limit global warming.Several countries have hailed the Court’s decision,  saying that it adds heft to humanity's fight against climate change. 
The ruling hits all the right notes - it places human rights at the forefront of the fight against global warming. But, is it merely symbolic, given it is an advisory opinion and not enforceable?

Guest: Dr. Vaibhav Chaturvedi, The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

Host: Nivedita V

Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian

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