Intergenerational climate justice in the International Court of Justice: Stories of the Walk to the World We Want
On August 15, 2023, a significant event titled "Intergenerational Climate Justice in the International Court of Justice" took place in The Hague, Netherlands. This gathering brought together international environmental law specialists, civil society organizations, international bodies, and youth leaders with a shared goal of addressing climate change through legal pathways.
The primary objective of this gathering was to respond to the United Nations General Assembly's request for an Advisory Opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). To achieve this, participants engaged in extensive research and collaborated to draft a Memorial for Written Submissions. The final output aims to provide simple samples of practical and doable actions that states and governments can take to face, embrace, and ace the climate crisis, while using the arguments set forth in the Youth Climate Justice Handbook . This document will also serve as a valuable resource for states preparing their submissions on climate change to the ICJ.
Empowering States and Civil Society Organizations Encouraging Action
The event highlighted practical options for states to safeguard the well-being of current and future generations in the context of the climate crisis. The primary goal was to inspire and energize participants to take positive actions and foster collaboration for a meaningful impact. Distinguished speakers included Prof. Cristiane Derani, a Knowledge Network Expert from UN Harmony with Nature, and Tony Oposa, a world-renowned environmental litigator whose children's case set forth the principle of inter-generational equity in the domestic setting.
Various civil society organizations actively participated, featuring legal experts such as Kristin Casper, General Counsel at Greenpeace International (GPI), who joined us online. Maria Alejandra Serra, Legal Counsel Climate Specialist, Martha Agudelo Cordoba, and Thanh Ha Christina Nguyen were present to represent GPI.
Environmental advocate Shirleen Chin, Founder and Director of Green Transparency, was also in attendance. Noteworthy contributions were made by Arthur Van Buitenen of the International Development Law Organization and Prof. Michael Gerrard of Columbia Law School, who authored a section on "Law Pathways for Energy Transition" for the final output. We also had the great pleasure of having Ms. Elly van Vliet, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Vanuatu in the Netherlands, speak at the event.
The gathering gained further enrichment from the online presence of Mr. Paulo Magalhaes, Founder of Common Home of Humanity, Dr. Túlio Di Giacomo Toledo from the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and Professor Lye Lin-Heng, Director of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL) and former Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore (NUS).
Together, these diverse voices and perspectives aimed to drive positive change in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
International Recognition and Global Gratitude
In addition to the research and strategy sessions, the conference featured an "International Recognition and Global Gratitude" event. This event honored the individuals and entities involved in the ICJ Advisory Opinion process on the climate crisis, acknowledging their dedication and contributions.
This momentous gathering was endorsed and organized by Tony Oposa and Nicole Ponce, representing the World’s Youth for Climate Justice" (WYCJ). WYCJ is at the forefront of a global campaign to bring climate change and human rights issues before the International Court of Justice, seeking an Advisory Opinion.
The Intergenerational Climate Justice in the International Court of Justice" gathering served as an important platform for advancing the cause of climate justice within the framework of international law. It brought together a diverse group of experts and activists to contribute to the ongoing efforts to address the climate crisis and promote intergenerational equity.
This Storytelling event at the ICJ is a continuing invitation to people of shared passions to join the joy of a journey… the journey of a dream. To explore positive pathways to inspire each other and set our happy hearts on friendly fire. To encourage States and empower young people to take practical, doable, healthy, happy, and hopeful steps for humans to live in harmony with Nature. And to recognize and thank the moving characters behind good stories of the wise advice of the International Court of Justice.
