Global World News Pacific Island Nations At Risk Of Becoming Footholds For Global Crime Gangs, Says Un

Top UN court says treaties compel big nations to curb global warming

STORY: Countries must address the "urgent and existential threat" of climate change. That was the strongly worded opinion issued by the United Nations' highest court on Wednesday, which could ... Read More

COP30: Pacific leaders now have world court backing to call countries to account over climate risk

At the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, Pacific Island states are making a familiar plea to keep warming at 1.5°C. But now they have the backing of a legal opinion that has transformed climate action ... Read More

UN court rules wealthy nations pay up for climate change damages in controversial global ruling

The United Nations' highest court on Wednesday ruled that wealthy countries must comply with their commitments to curb fossil fuels and pollution or risk being held financially liable by nations hit ... Read More

Pacific communities celebrate World Court’s Advisory Opinion on climate change

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), informally known as the World Court, issued an Advisory Opinion on climate change on July 23, 2025, which affirmed that states have an obligation to protect ... Read More

Pacific islands rue lost chance to host COP climate summit

Pacific islanders decried on Thursday a wasted chance to draw eyes to their climate troubles, after their bid to co-host next year's COP climate summit was brushed aside. Australia had sought to ... Read More

How a Group of Students in the Pacific Islands Reshaped Global Climate Law

They watched climate change ravage their home countries as rich, polluting nations did nothing. Then they had an idea. Madeleine Lavemai, left, and Sulia Makasini were students from Tonga attending ... Read More

The Pacific won a landmark climate case at the world’s top court. Now they want countries to act.

In January 2004, Cyclone Heta pummeled the shores of the island nation of Niue, uprooting trees and flooding homes with 184 mile-per-hour winds and 164-foot waves. As dawn approached, after an intense ... Read More

With global powers barred, can Pacific nations find unity at their annual summit?

Meg Keen leads the Pacific Research Program at the ANU which receives funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). All research conducted under this program is ... Read More

Top UN court says treaties compel wealthy nations to curb global warming

The United Nations' highest court on Wednesday told wealthy countries they must comply with their international commitments to curb pollution or risk having to pay compensation to nations hard hit by ... Read More

Top UN court says treaties compel wealthy nations to curb global warming

ICJ opinion could influence global climate litigation U.N. treaties should guide responsibilities, rich countries say South, small island states seek firm measures to curb emissions THE HAGUE, July 23 ... Read More