Climate ICJ AO Delivery Date Released
7 July 2025 -The International Court of Justice has announced the delivery date of its historic first advisory opinion on the obligations of States in relation to climate change.
This landmark ruling will be read in a public sitting on Wednesday, 23 July 2025 at 3 PM CEST (1 AM) FJT, Thursday 24 July) at the Peace Palace in The Hague, by Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the Court.
We stand with 96 States and 11 international organisations who helped shape this unprecedented global effort, the largest advisory opinion proceedings in ICJ history.
The advisory opinion will clarify the legal responsibilities of States in addressing the climate crisis, including:
The obligation to prevent climate harm;
The protection of present and future generations;
Remedies and reparations for climate-related damage;
Corporate accountability under international law;
The urgent and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels.
This is not just a legal milestone, it’s a potential turning point for climate justice and human rights. Coming just after the Inter-American Court of Human Rights’ powerful ruling on climate and human rights, the ICJ opinion is expected to confirm that States have binding legal duties grounded in science, equity, and international law.
What’s at stake for the Global South and Pacific communities?
We are calling for accountability, a recognition of rights for those most affected by the climate crisis, and real protection from historical polluters. This ruling could help shape the future of negotiations, litigation, and national policies around the world.
The Legal Questions that will be answered are:
What are the obligations of States under international law to protect the climate system and environment from greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of present and future generations?
What are the legal consequences for States whose actions or inaction have caused significant harm to the climate system, especially in relation to vulnerable states (like small island developing states), and affected people and future generations?
Here’s how you can help turn this moment into meaningful change:
Use the Pre-Delivery Social Media Toolkit to spread the word!
Want to Coordinate with us for the ICJAO Delivery?
Alliance mobilization sessions: We will be hosting a Big Push - Big Tent Mobilization Session: “ICJAO - People’s Case for Climate Justice.”
Join us to find out what is happening on the day and how you can be involved.
If you are not yet in the Signal Group for our ICJAO Friends and Allies but would like instant updates, join by clicking >>> here.
A few days after the delivery, we will be hosting a hybrid unpacking session with colleagues on the ground in the Hague for the world to start to make sense of what we expect to be a rich Advisory Opinion.
More information to follow - stay tuned.
If you have any questions, concerns or ideas for mobilization - please reach out to Joie Chowdhury (jchowdhury@ciel.org), Vishal Prasad (vishal@pisfcc.org) or Jule Schnakenberg (jule@wy4cj.org).
You Can Watch the Live Delivery of the Ruling via:
The ICJ will broadcast the hearings live and on demand (VOD) in the two official languages of the Court on the Court’s website, the United Nations Journal section dedicated to the ICJ, and on UN Web TV.
Additional information on attending the ruling and registration procedures can be found on the ICJ’s website.
- Ends -
