HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — A U.N. tribunal on maritime law said Tuesday that countries are legally required to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, a victory for small island nations that are on the front lines of climate change.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea found that carbon emissions qualify as marine pollution and said countries must take steps to mitigate and adapt to their adverse effects.
It was the first ruling to come in three cases in which advisory opinions have been sought from international courts about climate change.
Experts say the decision, though not legally binding, could profoundly impact international and domestic law on climate change.
“The opinion is a clarification of international legal obligations,” said Joie Chowdhury, a senior attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law.
China, Russia and India are among the 169 parties to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, the treaty that underpins the court. The United States, which is the world’s biggest historic emitter of greenhouse gases, is not a party.
Warner holds out IPL hot shot Fraser
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry perform 'parent and child
Israel marks memorial day, as Palestinians flee Rafah. Follow the latest
Nimmo rescues Mets off the bench on Mother's Day. Senga's rehab progressing slowly
UK court rules that extension of UK police powers to intervene in protests is unlawful
Australia: Plane lands without landing gear after burning off fuel
Swedish premier hosts German, Nordic leaders to deepen cooperation shadowed by a threat from Russia
Indonesia's Mount Ibu erupts, spewing thick ash and dark clouds into the sky
Election 2024: Chinese migrants' stories are stark contrast to Trump's statements
Landmark Paris trial of Syrian officials accused of torturing, killing a father and his son starts
Diamondbacks avoid a sweep with a 9