This article was originally published by Global Climate & Health Alliance 

The Hague, 23 July 2025:- Responding to today’s much-anticipated Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Dr Jeni Miller, Executive Director at the Global Climate and Health Alliance said:

“The International Court of Justice has delivered a historic affirmation: the climate crisis is a health crisis—and failure to act is a failure to protect life. The Court made clear that fossil fuels are the root cause of this crisis, and that a state’s failure to curb emissions—including through fossil fuel production, subsidies, or exploration—may constitute an internationally wrongful act. This ruling confirms that governments and corporations have a legal duty to prevent further harm, uphold the right to health, and safeguard future generations. From deadly heat and toxic air to disease and displacement, the Court’s message is clear—human health is not collateral damage. Health workers and advocates now have powerful legal backing to demand bold, science-based climate action rooted in justice including a just transition away from fossil fuels, for health and the duty to protect life across all ages and borders.”