The leading environmental NGO, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) International, has submitted a Statement to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its groundbreaking proceedings on the obligation of States in respect of climate change.
The case is the first of its kind to be heard by the ICJ, following a request by the United Nations General Assembly for the Court to render an Advisory Opinion on the obligations of States to address the climate crisis under international law as well as the legal consequences of failing to act.
WWF’s Statement focuses on States’ obligations to protect biodiversity from the harmful effects of greenhouse gases (GHGs), and the legal consequences that flow from States’ violations of those obligations under international law.
In its Statement, WWF stresses the threat climate change poses to biodiversity, and the inextricable link between a healthy environment, thriving biodiversity, and human existence. It also highlights the critical role that certain species play in mitigating the harmful effects of GHGs on the Earth’s climate.
WWF’s press release is available here, and WWF’s Statement is available here.
Joanna Buckley acts on behalf of WWF, instructed by Squire Patton Boggs LLP, together with barristers from Doughty Street Chambers, Twenty Essex Chambers, Brick Court Chambers and No5 Chambers.