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News Lead: In a groundbreaking decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that nations have a legal obligation to protect individuals from climate-related harm, setting a precedent for future lawsuits and climate policy.
The ICJ's decision stemmed from a case brought by the Pacific island nation of Palau, which argued that the emissions of greenhouse gases by major industrialized countries posed an existential threat to its people and territory. The ICJ agreed, stating that nations have a "duty to prevent significant transboundary harm" caused by climate change.
The ruling is significant because it establishes a legal framework for holding nations accountable for their contributions to climate change. It could lead to a wave of lawsuits by vulnerable countries against major polluters, and could also influence the decisions of governments as they set climate policies.
The ICJ's decision has been praised by environmental groups and legal experts. "This is a landmark ruling that sends a clear message to governments that they can no longer ignore the devastating impacts of climate change," said Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International.
However, the ruling has also been criticized by some countries and industries. The United States, for example, has argued that the ICJ does not have jurisdiction over climate change and that the ruling infringes on its sovereignty.
Despite the ongoing debate, the ICJ's decision represents a major step forward in the fight against climate change. It establishes a legal precedent for holding nations accountable for their contributions to climate harm and could lead to a more ambitious and effective global response to this urgent challenge.
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