On Monday 2^nd December, what the New York Times called “the most important climate case that a lot of people haven’t heard about”, is taking place, as Vanuatu urges the top United Nations court to hold countries legally responsible for the ongoing impacts of climate change.

Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change and environment, Ralph Regenvanu, told the court that there was an urgent need for a response to climate change in international law to address the consequences of countries’ contribution to global warming. Regenvanu said, “We look to the court for recognition that the conduct which has already caused immense harm to my people and so many others is unlawful, that it must cease, and that its consequences must be repaired”.

The hearings take place a week after the controversial deal at COP29, where richer countries agreed $300 bn in climate financing by 2035 to support countries cope with the impact of climate change.

Over the next two weeks, the court will hear from 98 countries, including those with the greatest historical responsibility for the climate crisis, such as UK and Russia, as well as the countries that have contribute the least but bear the brunt of the effects, such as Bangladesh and Sudan. The US and China also made statements this week, however neither recognise the court’s authority.

While advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice are non-binding, the decision could bolster the case for linking human rights and climate change in international legal proceedings and lead to further climate litigation globally.

In Irish news:

• The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council warned that the Irish State could face a €20 billion fine if it fails to achieve reductions in carbon emissions by 2030.
• Families are being encouraged to take part in a Cork-based “Circular Christmas” initiative to promote pre-loved toys following an Irish study that found 5.5m plastic toys are lost and discarded each year.
• The main focus of the British-Irish Council, held on Friday, was the climate crisis and transitioning to clean energy, as they explored how to finance a “just transition” for workers to greener alternatives.

In other world news:

• A group of climate vulnerable nations are pushing for a credit ratings overhaul, arguing that ratings should reflect climate resilience measures.
• The World Bank met a funding target of $100bn for the world’s poorest countries in the next three years, as it faces the prospect of a Trump presidency threatening future fundraising.
• Qatar will invest £1 billion in climate technology in the United Kingdom, including technology programmes by Rolls-Royce that improve energy efficiency, sustainable fuel and lower emissions.