Zero: The Climate Race How a bunch of students beat big polluters in the world's highest court
Jul 31, 2025
Laura Clarke, CEO of ClientEarth, a legal NGO fighting environmental harm, joins the conversation to discuss a landmark case initiated by law students from Pacific island nations that ascended to the International Court of Justice. They explore the court's game-changing ruling obligating countries to act on climate change, its implications for statehood amidst rising sea levels, and the intersection of climate action with human rights. Clarke highlights the global urgency for legal reforms and the role of litigation in demanding accountability from polluters.
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Pacific Island Students' Legal Push
- A climate lawsuit was initiated by Pacific Island law students concerned about their vulnerable nations.
- These students' efforts brought the case to the International Court of Justice via Vanuatu and the UN General Assembly.
Binding Climate Obligations
- The ICJ ruling declares that states have binding international legal obligations to act on climate change.
- This includes duty of due diligence and cooperation to prevent significant environmental harm on a global scale.
Statehood Protected Despite Rising Seas
- The ruling protects climate-vulnerable island nations by affirming their statehood despite sea-level rise.
- Under international law, maritime boundaries remain despite geographic changes caused by climate impacts.