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PH Welcomes ICJ Ruling Affirming States’ Duty to Cut Emissions

NPO

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July 26, 2025

MANILA – The Philippine government lauded the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its landmark advisory opinion affirming that states are legally obligated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

“The Philippines welcomes the ICJ’s advisory opinion on climate change,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday. “As a Party that actively participated in the proceedings, the Philippines values the Court’s guidance on the obligation of states under international law, even beyond the UNFCCC, to address the climate crisis.”

Issued on July 23, the ICJ opinion emphasized that industrialized nations bear “additional obligations” to take the lead in emission reductions and that states party to the Paris Agreement must cooperate through technology and financial transfers to achieve global climate targets.

The ruling also stated that nations violating these obligations must provide “full reparation to injured states,” including restitution and compensation.

The advisory opinion came in response to a request by the UN General Assembly to clarify states’ legal responsibilities in protecting the climate system and the environment for present and future generations.