ICJ climate opinion puts moral and legal pressure on polluting nations: Experts
A roundtable held at the Department of Environment today (3 August) underscored the transformative implications of the recent advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate finance, with speakers highlighting its potential to reshape global and domestic accountability.
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that while the ICJ opinion is not legally binding, it establishes a powerful moral obligation for responsible states to act. "Combined with citizen pressure, this can compel meaningful climate action," she said.
"The court reaffirmed the 1.5°C temperature threshold and stressed the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels—future generations, especially youth, are watching, and we must not fail them."
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The event was jointly organised by the environment ministry and the Department of Environment, with support from Friendship, the Centre for Climate Justice-Bangladesh, BRAC, and the Centre for Participatory Research and Development.
Environment ministry Secretary Farhina Ahmed remarked that the ICJ opinion should be viewed as both a global and domestic wake-up call. "It brings climate justice into the national discourse."
"All ministries—from Planning to Finance—must now adopt a vulnerability lens in their operations. The opinion strengthens our case for reforming institutions and delivering inclusive climate governance. We call on NGOs and civil society to join us in this journey," she added.
Advocate M Hafijul Islam Khan, an environmental lawyer and keynote speaker, described the ICJ's statement as a significant legal shift. "Climate action is no longer optional. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) must be implemented, and developed nations now have a legal obligation to finance adaptation and compensate for climate-related losses."
Prof Payam Akhavan, legal counsel to Bangladesh at the ICJ, encouraged Bangladesh to leverage international law to demand climate finance, compensation for loss and damage, and stronger global accountability.
Prof Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger of the University of Cambridge highlighted the importance of academic partnerships and noted that the University is offering scholarships for online courses to help build local capacity.
Youth activist Sohanur Rahman called for legislation that centres climate justice, ensures equity in NDCs, and protects the most vulnerable.
The ICJ opinion, delivered on 23 July, followed a UN General Assembly resolution led by 18 countries—including Bangladesh—that requested legal clarity on climate finance, liability, and adaptation. The court warned that failure to compensate for climate harm could expose states to legal consequences.
