HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — A U.N. tribunal on maritime law said Tuesday that countries are legally required to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, a victory for small island nations that are on the front lines of climate change.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea found that carbon emissions qualify as marine pollution and said countries must take steps to mitigate and adapt to their adverse effects.
It was the first ruling to come in three cases in which advisory opinions have been sought from international courts about climate change.
Experts say the decision, though not legally binding, could profoundly impact international and domestic law on climate change.
“The opinion is a clarification of international legal obligations,” said Joie Chowdhury, a senior attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law.
China, Russia and India are among the 169 parties to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, the treaty that underpins the court. The United States, which is the world’s biggest historic emitter of greenhouse gases, is not a party.
Kansas takes control in the ninth and beats Kansas State in the opener of the Big 12 Tournament
Chinese foreign minister holds talks with ROK counterpart
Standings undisturbed despite drama
Emma Hayes' first roster as coach of the US women's team includes 2 first
Experts strategize to elevate Chinese sci
China to cut individual housing provident fund loan rates by 0.25 percentage points
Taking presidential debates out of commission's hands virtually guarantees fewer viewers
PHOTOS: At the Pet Gala, fashion goes to the dogs
Elon Musk arrives in Indonesia's Bali to launch Starlink satellite internet service
Australia's deputy prime minister pledges support to Solomon Islands during visit to Honiara
Xi says he enjoys Yugoslav films, songs when young