The Pacific Islands are experiencing the intensifying impacts of climate change—cyclones, hurricanes, floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures - despite contributing less than 0.03% to global emissions. This is climate injustice.

For Pasifika peoples, this case is about the survival of everything that shapes our existence, our right to survival, equality, water, food, culture, language, education and health. 

For decades, the world’s biggest polluters have been getting away with recklessly destroying our world for profit without consequences. This case could change that.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the main legal body of the United Nations. It settles disputes between countries and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN bodies. 

Pasifika climate leaders made history by winning their campaign to take climate change to the highest court in the world this year, with the support of 132 countries in the UN. 

An International Court of Justice ruling will explore how climate change is affecting the human rights of people and create legal clarity on how to address it. 

A strong advisory opinion could heavily influence court judgments and parliament-made law right around the world because it would set a baseline for what governments are expected to do in order to protect human rights in the face of climate change. 

Australia is the world’s third largest fossil fuel exporter—behind only Saudi Arabia and Russia. The Australian Government must acknowledge the catastrophic impact fossil fuels are having on Pacific communities and take action.

If Australia is genuine in its commitment to supporting its Pacific family, a strong submission will commit to: 

No new coal and gas

There are currently over 110 new gas and coal mines listed as ‘in development’ - If all new gas and coal projects that have been approved to begin production before 2030 go ahead, they will emit 4.8 billion tonnes of emissions by 2030 (the equivalent of opening up over 200 new coal-fired power stations). 

End public funding of fossil fuels 

In 2022–23, Australian Federal and state governments gave $11.1 billion worth of spending measures and tax concessions to assist fossil fuel industries. This public money should be spent on the renewable transition.

Provide financial assistance to nations most vulnerable and impacted by climate change

Australia spends more money subsidising fossil fuels than it spends on either aid or climate finance in the Pacific; Australia has not funded its commitments to  the UNFCCC Loss and Damage Fund.