It is just over a year since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) handed down its advisory opinion regarding the obligations of states to address climate change under international law.
The Court’s unanimous opinion was that states must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and minimise any actions that would result in their release. Importantly, both consumption and production of fossil fuels was found to be an “internationally wrongful act” under international law.
How is the advisory opinion shaping climate litigation and policy in Australia since it was handed down? What can you do to help support the advisory opinion being recognised in Australian environmental decision-making?
When: Thursday 13 August, 6pm – 7.30pm
Where: Zoom (link provided in RSVP confirmation email)
RSVP below to join our webinar!
ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change
RSVP here to attend:
What to expect:
We’ll unpack the significance of the ICJ advisory opinion, what it is, and why working towards stabilising global average warming to 1.5 degrees, or below, is so critical.
We’ll discuss how the Australian Government and states and territories have responded to the advisory opinion, and how communities can and already are relying upon the opinion to progress climate action.
Speakers:
Alofipo So’oalo Fleur Ramsay
Barrister, Victorian Bar
Nicole Sommer
Principal Lawyer/ Director Litigation & Casework, EDO
Joshua Paveley
Senior Solicitor, National Litigation, EDO
Allyson Williams
Science Officer, EDO
By the end of this session, you’ll:
- learn what an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice means and its impact;
- learn how Pasifika communities led the campaign for climate justice and recognition of the impacts of the climate crisis for Big Ocean States;
- understand how communities can and already are relying upon the advisory opinion to progress climate action;
- have a stronger sense of where the advisory opinion had been put to best use;
- learn about legal actions across Australia that have used the advisory opinion; and
- understand why it is so essential that governments and corporations around the world aim for stabilising global average warming to no greater than 1.5 degrees warming.
This is a free event and open to the public. Please share this RSVP link with your networks.
