UN court starts biggest case ever: Small islands fight for survival
Global court opens major hearing about climate change duties of world nations. Small island states push for clear rules as rising seas threaten their lands existence
The International Court of Justice in the Hague started its most-extensive case in history this monday (a major two-week hearing about climate change duties). The court must decide what countries need to do by law to stop climate problems and help at-risk nations
Island countries whoʼve worked hard for many years to get this case going (since they might disappear under higher ocean levels) finally got their wish: The UN asked the court last year to look at what countries must do about climate-change. Its a big step for small nations who dont want to wait anymore
The case brings together law experts from many places to figure out how countries should work together on this world-wide issue. The court – which sits in a nice-looking building with tall windows and marble walls – will hear from different countries about their ideas on climate duties: some want strict rules others prefer soft guidelines
- Rising seas threaten to flood island homes
- Many people might need to move away
- Local cultures could disappear
- Fish and plants are dying in warmer waters
The court needs to make clear what countries have to do – not just what they should do. Its important because small islands cant fight this problem alone: they need help from bigger nations who make most of the worlds pollution
