Philippine civil organizations welcome World Court's advisory opinion on climate change
In a statement, Gerry Arances, the Executive Director of Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) said the advisory opinion "marks a pivotal milestone for all climate-vulnerable nations, including the Philippines."
"The ICJ's clarity provides a crucial foundation for enhanced ambition from all states, with an emphasis on accountability from developed countries, and domestic mitigation measures for developing countries," he added.
Angelo Kairos dela Cruz, the executive director of Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) said "the world court's opinion further amplifies the need for urgent action from those historically responsibly for climate change."
"We are yet to see more tangible plans to reduce emissions and climate finance commitments have been long overdue. Climate-vulnerable nations have already lost 1/5 of their wealth in the last two decades, according to the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Finance Ministers, and the New Collective Quantified Goal announced in COP 29 has fallen short on what is needed to implement countries' Nationally Determined Contributions," he added, without mincing his words.
Aksiyon Klima Pilipinas National coordinator JL Algo meanwhile said the ruling "confirms that governments have the duty and are accountable for addressing the climate crisis, including compelling fossil fuel corporations to genuinely act."
Recalling recent reports like the findings of the National Inquiry on Climate Change by the Commission on Human Rights three years ago, Algo took on a more sobering tone, saying "the effects of this ruling would likely take years to be truly felt."
"Litigation is a long, expensive, and at times inefficient process in many countries such as in the Philippines. If this ruling is ever applied in our countryy's contact, our judiciary system has to be truly ready to handle cases related to climate accountability. Any decision is only as strong as its enforcement," he added.
For Greenpeace, the advisory opinion "can pave the way for Filipino communities to seek reparations from the world's biggest climate polluters."
"The ruling of the world's highest court marks the start of a new era of climate accountability on a global scale, and a turning point in the march for climate justice,' said Greenpeace Senior Campaigner Virginia Benosa-Llorin.
According to the United Nations' highest court, wealthy countries must comply with their international commitments to curb pollution or risk having to pay compensation to nations hard hit by climate change.
"States must cooperate to achieve concrete emission reduction targets," Judge Yuji Iwasawa said, adding that failure by countries to comply with the "stringent obligations" placed on them by climate treaties was a breach of international law.
In the advisory opinion, the World Court said countries were also responsible for the actions of companies under their jurisdiction or control.
Under international law, Judge Iwasawa said "the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is essential for the enjoyment of other human rights."
Wednesday's opinion answers two questions asked by the UN General Assembly: What are countries' obligations under international law to protect the climate from greenhouse gas emissions, and what are the legal consequences for countries that harm the climate system?
Grounded in binding international law, the opinion gives vulnerable nations like the Philippines legal grounds to demand accountability and reparation.
Atty. Grizelda Mayo-Anda, an environmental lawyer and executive director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center acknowledged the advisory opinion is not legally binding but said it is still "very significant" to country like the Philippines, "which deals with typhoons, extreme weather events and ocean acidification."
In its statement, Greenpeace challenged "President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who delivers his state o the National Address on Monday, to lead the way in pursuing climate accountability by taking fossil fuels companies to court and enacting strong policies for corporate climate accountability."
The ruling comes as the Philippines is being battered by simultaneous storms while enduring non-stop Habagat-induced rains. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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