India argued at the ICJ that climate finance from developed nations is insufficient, demanding a minimum of $1 trillion annually. The COP29 negotiations have left many developing countries dissatisfied due to lower financial commitments. Vanuatu and other small island states highlighted their vulnerabilities, urging developed nations to take responsibility for their contributions to climate change and support affected nations effectively.
On December 5, India presented its arguments to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), emphasizing the necessity for equitable global measures to combat climate change. Developing nations, alongside small island states, have long demanded a minimum of $1 trillion annually from developed countries to support conservation initiatives. The recent COP29 negotiations in Baku resulted in a promised climate finance of $300 billion—significantly below the requested amount. This decision disappointed many vulnerable nations, as the agreed financing is substantially less than the pledges made during COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009.
Luther Rangreji, Joint Secretary and Legal Adviser in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, criticized the insufficient financial support, stating that the promised funding is ‘too little, too distant.’ He noted the disproportionate burden that climate change presents to developing nations, emphasizing that developed countries, which have substantially contributed to climate change, should take greater responsibility for addressing its impacts. Rangreji contended that developing nations possess the least culpability regarding climate change and possess limited means to mitigate these issues. According to him, it is unjust for developed nations to expect similar contributions from those less equipped.
The ICJ hearing is part of a series of petitions by over 98 nations, initiated on December 2. Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, expressed concerns regarding his nation’s vulnerability, calling for accountability from nations with high greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Arnold Loughman, Vanuatu’s Attorney General, stressed that states must acknowledge their legal obligations to protect vulnerable nations from climate change’s adverse effects.
Other small island states, including Antigua and Barbuda, raised concerns about environmental degradation and its economic implications. Prime Minister Gaston Browne highlighted the long-term consequences of natural disasters on their communities, questioning why developing nations should bear the costs of actions taken by historically developed countries. In a similar vein, the Attorney General of the Bahamas asserted that international obligations necessitated that developed nations take action to support those impacted by climate events.
The proceedings at the ICJ, which will last until December 13, represent the largest hearing to date, featuring extensive inputs from numerous countries and international organizations. While the court’s advisory opinions are not binding, they provide valuable legal insights that could influence future climate policies.
The hearing at the International Court of Justice comes at a critical time as developing nations and small island states rally for greater climate finance. Historically, these countries have contributed the least to climate change yet face some of its most severe consequences. The calls for $1 trillion annually stem from ongoing disappointments from international climate negotiations, particularly leading to the meager outcomes of COP29. This context underscores the urgency for accountability and responsibility from developed nations regarding their past and ongoing contributions to climate change, which are linked to their industrialization and resource exploitation practices.
In conclusion, India’s strong stance at the ICJ underscores the urgent need for developed nations to uphold their financial commitments towards combating climate change. The testimony provided by various small island states reveals the profound impact of climate change on their existence. As global discussions continue, it is critical that the voices of developing nations are amplified, and the obligations of developed nations to provide adequate support are recognized and acted upon to mitigate the climate crisis effectively.
Original Source: www.outlookbusiness.com
