The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun hearings on a landmark climate case, with small island nations urging the global community to hold major polluters accountable for the devastating impacts of rising seas and climate change.

"The stakes could not be higher. The survival of my people and so many others is on the line," said Arnold Kiel Loughman, Attorney-General of Vanuatu, during the opening session.

These nations are advocating for clarity on countries' legal obligations to combat climate change and the repercussions of inaction. The case, supported by 99 countries and intergovernmental organizations, is the largest in the ICJ’s 80-year history.

Vanuatu’s climate envoy Ralph Regenvanu highlighted the inequality, stating, "A handful of readily identifiable states have produced the vast majority of historic and current greenhouse gas emissions. Yet other countries, including my own, are suffering the brunt of the consequences."

The ICJ will address two critical questions:

What are countries legally required to do to protect the climate from human-induced emissions?
What are the legal consequences for nations failing to mitigate significant harm to the environment?

While the ICJ’s decision will be advisory, it could shape international and domestic legal frameworks.

“For our generation and for the Pacific Islands, the climate crisis is an existential threat. It is a matter of survival,” said Vishal Prasad of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change.

Global sea levels have risen by approximately 4.3 centimeters (1.7 inches) in the last decade, with the Pacific region experiencing more severe impacts. Island nations argue that without urgent action, their futures — and the human rights of generations to come — are at risk.