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Did you know countries can now sue over climate change?

The ICJ says countries can sue each other for wrecking the climate.

What if countries could sue each other for wrecking the climate? Well, that’s now a real possibility after a decision by the UN’s top court, the International Court of Justice (the ICJ). The court made the decision after a group of young law students from low-lying Pacific islands on the frontlines of climate change started a campaign in 2019. But critics say it will be hard to untangle who caused what when it comes to climate change — and that they’re already making good progress when it comes to reducing harm to the environment.

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Climate and Science Correspondent Georgina Rannard talks us through what this decision means and how it could impact future climate cases. And we hear from two of the young campaigners who helped bring this case to the ICJ, who tell us what this decision means to them and their communities.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates
Editor: Verity Wilde

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12 minutes

Last on

Sat 26 Jul 2025 02:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 25 Jul 2025 17:50GMT
  • Sat 26 Jul 2025 02:50GMT

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