Historic ruling finds climate change ‘imperils all forms of life’ and puts laggard nations on notice

The momentous case opens the door for countries impacted by climate disasters to sue major emitting countries for reparations, writes Jacqueline Peel

Activists demonstrate on Wednesday outside the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands ahead of an advisory opinion on what legal obligations nations have to address climate change and what consequences they may face if they don't. Photo: AP/Peter Dejong

Climate change “imperils all forms of life” and countries must tackle the problem or face consequences under international law, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found.

The court delivered its long-awaited advisory opinion overnight. The momentous case opens the door for countries impacted by climate disasters to sue major emitting countries for reparations.