Guevarra calls on ICJ climate change guidance

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue authoritative guidance to member states regarding climate change. Leading the Philippine delegation, Guevarra called for decisive global action during the ongoing ICJ hearings in The Hague.

“The entire gamut of international law informs the obligation of 33 States for their anthropogenic GHG emissions in a manner that is far more encompassing than what has already been achieved by the international community under the climate change regime. Now more than ever, the authoritative guidance of this Court is being sought to express in no uncertain terms that the contributory conduct of States in relation to climate change is bound by established conventions, customary law, and general principles,” said Guevarra in his speech.

Speaking on behalf of one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Guevarra disclosed the scientific consensus on rising global temperatures and its devastating impacts.

“This environmental crisis attributed to anthropogenic GHG emissions is surely not experienced in isolation by the Philippines. As we have learned from Vanuatu, the Bahamas, Bangladesh and South Africa, among others, these unusual and unprecedented climate changes have become a global phenomenon,” Guevarra said.

The ICJ hearings, running from 2 to 13 December, aim to clarify states’ legal obligations under international law to mitigate climate change and address the harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

With 97 states and 11 international organizations participating, it marks the largest case ever brought before the ICJ, reflecting the gravity of the climate crisis.

Guevarra stressed that state obligations extend beyond treaties, pointing to general principles of international law and Customary International Law.

He also cited domestic measures such as the Writ of Kalikasan, a unique judicial remedy in the Philippines that safeguards environmental rights.

Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, linked climate change to global peace, security and human rights.

He urged states to uphold legal frameworks that ensure dignity and resilience for all in the face of escalating climate challenges.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) of the Philippines echoed these sentiments, praising the delegation’s strong position.

CCC vice chairperson Robert E.A. Borje stressed the country’s commitment to a rules-based international system and climate justice for vulnerable nations.