According to a recent research titled National contributions to climate change due to historical emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide since 1850 published in Nature on March 29, the US is responsible for 0.28u00b0C, or 17.3%, of the temperature rise between 1850 and 2021. China (0.20u00b0C, or 12.3% of the total warming), Russia (0.10u00b0C, or 6.1%), Brazil (0.08u00b0C, or 4.9%), India (0.08u00b0C, or 4.8%), Indonesia (0.03-0.05u00b0C), Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada are the other big contributors.
Source: IOP Publishing
Global greenhouse gas emissions must drop by about 21% by 2030 and 35% by 2035 if temperatures are to stay within 2u00b0C of pre-industrial levels. Much more drastic emissions reductions are required to keep global warming below 1.5u00b0C. Considering the current emission trends, this is an extremely difficult task. 2019 saw a 12% increase in annual worldwide emissions over 2010 and a 54% increase over 1990.
Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau of the Republic of Vanuatu hailed the UNGA resolution on the ICJ advisory opinion on Climate Change as a win for climate justice of epic proportions. Vanuatu is an archipelago of about 80 islands spread across 1,300 km that was struck by two Category 4 cyclones in the span of three days earlier this month. A core group of 18 nations, ranging in size from Germany to Costa Rica, was led by Vanuatu in pushing for the resolution.
Source: Al Jazeera English
For the first time, the world’s top court would offer an advisory opinion on the legal responsibility of states to confront and prevent climate change. Although not legally binding, the advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice are frequently cited by litigants in national and sub-national courts, which do render legally binding judgements and will undoubtedly have an impact on the future course of Climate Change litigation.
The question is whether the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will specify the legal repercussions that nations may experience for creating climate-related harm, or whether fossil fuel companies may be prosecuted with murder?
What do you think about this? Comment below.
