Unpacking the ICJ’s Climate Action Advisory: How Australia’s Government is Responding

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently shared an important opinion on climate action, prompted by the UN. Let’s explore Australia’s reaction to this advisory.

Australia, along with 130 other countries, supported a UN resolution from Vanuatu asking for clarity on nations’ climate responsibilities. However, Australia has since pushed back against the idea of universal obligations and potential legal repercussions.

The ICJ posed crucial questions about state responsibilities to protect the climate. They focused on:

– The duties of nations to safeguard the climate for current and future generations.
– The legal consequences for nations causing significant harm through greenhouse gas emissions, particularly affecting vulnerable regions.

In their advisory on July 23, 2025, the ICJ emphasized that the protection of the environment is tied to human rights. It stated that without safeguarding the climate, the full enjoyment of human rights isn’t achievable. This means countries have an obligation to act on climate change, taking into account their human rights duties.

The court also noted that breaches of these obligations could lead to various legal consequences. This includes the requirement to stop harmful actions and offer reparations, whether or not harm has been officially recognized.

Australia’s response has been cautious. A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) release revealed that the government views the ICJ’s opinion as a valuable contribution. They’ve stated that they are “carefully considering” its implications. However, they’ve advised Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen to sidestep questions about supporting the ICJ’s conclusions directly. Instead, the focus will be on discussing the future steps with Pacific partners after the advisory.

Interestingly, the government is moving forward with approvals for coal and gas projects, despite the ICJ’s warnings. This strategy seems to reflect a desire to balance international expectations with domestic interests, keeping the climate conversation more theoretical than actionable.

Public sentiment is also a factor. Social media trends show growing frustration over government actions that contradict climate goals. Many citizens are pushing for more decisive action, with hashtags highlighting climate accountability gaining traction.

As climate issues become increasingly pressing, experts argue that Australia and other nations need to reassess their approaches. According to recent surveys, more than 70% of Australians believe that climate policies should prioritize renewable energy. The gap between government action and public opinion could lead to significant political changes in the near future.

In summary, while Australia acknowledges the ICJ’s climate advisory, its actions suggest a struggle to reconcile environmental duties with economic interests. As the world watches closely, the future of climate action in Australia hangs in the balance.



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