The ICJ's Climate Ruling: A Legal Landmark or a 'Zombie' Ruling?
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, IPCC, Climate Justice, Loss and Damage Fund), International Relations (International Court of Justice - ICJ, Advisory Opinion, Global South, Sovereignty).
Mains:
GS Paper 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Climate Change negotiations and challenges.
GS Paper 2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate; Effect of policies of developed countries on India’s interests.
Key Highlights from the News
Concept Explainer: Key Concepts
ICJ Advisory Opinion:
An opinion given by the ICJ on a legal question when requested by a UN organ. It is non-binding but carries significant legal and moral weight.
Climate Justice and Historical Responsibility:
The idea that developed countries have a greater moral and legal responsibility to address climate change because they have historically emitted more greenhouse gases.
Loss and Damage Fund:
A global fund operationalized at COP28 to provide financial assistance to vulnerable developing countries most affected by the adverse impacts of climate change.
Sovereignty:
The principle that a state has full and independent authority within its borders and is not subject to the jurisdiction of other states or international institutions.
Ecomodernism:
An environmental philosophy that argues that environmental problems can be solved using technology (such as nuclear power, carbon capture) rather than by reducing consumption.
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