On December 2, the International Court of Justice began hearing oral statements on the Advisory Opinion relating to the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change

Over two weeks of hearings, the court will consider what countries around the world are legally required to do to combat the climate disaster. The case was brought by low-lying island nations, which face an existential crisis caused by wealthier, polluting nations.

Representatives for the island nation of Vanuatu called on the International Court of Justice this week to recognize the harm caused by climate change, the first remarks the United Nations court heard as it considers international obligations to address climate impacts.