Vanuatu’s fight against climate change received a significant boost following a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which emphasized states’ responsibilities to protect the climate from greenhouse gas emissions. It’s the culmination of a case that students first launched six years ago, winning this landmark decision. Today, at-risk countries such as Vanuatu can be optimistic as they deal with the catastrophic effects of climate change, such as super cyclones and inundating seas.
Mario Liunamel, a member of Vanuatu Climate Action Network (VCAN), rejoiced at the decision. He thinks it could help really galvanize support for climate action and more climate action in the Pacific nation. Here’s how the ICJ’s advisory opinion could result in stronger climate negotiations. It will likely encourage countries to follow suit and take serious, urgent action on climate change.
The Impact of Climate Change on Vanuatu
By virtue of its geophysical and socio-economic characteristics, Vanuatu is one of the countries most threatened by climate change. The recent Tropical Cyclone Lola wreaked havoc across several islands, including Pentecost, highlighting the urgent need for effective climate action. Vanuatu’s topography of steep mountains falling directly into oceans leaves them particularly susceptible to climate change. This risk is severely compounded by the country’s overdependence on marine resources.
Liunamel noted that “young people have the power, have the voices as well, to take on any countries or big emitter companies to be held accountable for their actions.” His quote underscores the rising tide of youth advocacy on climate issues. Most importantly, it stresses the need to make sure their voices are effectively represented in international forums.
The ICJ ruling makes clear that States have a legal responsibility to combat the effects of climate change. Failure to do so could result in polluting nations being held liable for damages caused to those most affected by global warming.
Legal Implications and Future Climate Talks
The ICJ’s decision could change the course of future climate negotiations at a basic level. According to Professor Young, “The General Assembly will look with favour on the legal certainty that this advisory opinion has provided and then countries will make what they will of the implications.” This legal basis can provide countries such as Vanuatu with a formidable weapon. They can—and should—demand stronger commitments from their big, polluting peers at international climate conferences.
The ruling sets the legal baseline that every country will have to follow at the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP) meetings. Professor Young elaborated, stating, “there is now this legal baseline that all countries will be operating under at the COPs, and so the Pacific nations can ask for more.” This change would bring the federal government to bear greater accountability for emissions and support adaptation investments more equitably across the most vulnerable regions.
In light of the ICJ’s findings, Vanuatu is contemplating its next steps, which may include pursuing litigation against major polluters. Terry said that Vanuatu’s Ministry of Climate Change was actively looking to all available options. They’re winning funding for projects that address the impacts of climate change.
The Path Forward for Vanuatu
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has been a tireless proponent of the ICJ case since it began. He hopes that the ruling will help prove that island nations, who face an existential threat from climate change, are right to raise concerns about climate change.
As Australia seeks to prolong the unpopular Woodside North West Shelf gas project, opposition to fossil fuel extraction grows. The ICJ highlighted that fossil fuel exploration and subsidies could constitute internationally wrongful acts, prompting further discussion around the ethics of continued investments in fossil fuels.
Ethel Tama, a local resident, emphasized the need for immediate action: “This is one of the main things that Vanuatu should be looking at now, because most of our islands depend entirely on the seas to sustain our living.” Her comments are indicative of the common pained sentiment between Pacific Islanders who have long felt abandoned in global conversations around climate change.
Gael Thery shared similar sentiments, stating that “Pacific Islanders … tend to feel like we’re abandoned.” ICJ ruling is a long-awaited ray of hope for these communities worldwide. It’s proving them right, in the sense that their concerns are being heard at the highest of places.
