Failing to protect planet from climate change ‘could violate international law’

Activists demonstrate outside the International Court of Justice (Peter Dejong/AP)

The UN’s top court has said countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take measures to protect the planet from climate change, and nations harmed by its effects could be entitled to reparations.

Advocates immediately cheered the landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on nations’ obligations to tackle climate change and the consequences they may face if they do not.