Official treaty records and international environmental summits

UN Court Rules in Favor of Island States in Historic Climate Case on May 21, 2024

May 21, 2024, 10:54 PM

On May 21, 2024, the UN maritime court ruled in favor of nine small island states seeking increased protection of the world's oceans from the impacts of climate change. This historic decision by the UN court recognizes excessive greenhouse gases as pollutants that can cause irreversible harm to the marine environment. Experts suggest this ruling could lead to wide-ranging claims for damages against polluting nations. The court's decision mandates nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect the marine ecosystem.