SINGAPORE - The world’s top court on July 23 issued a landmark ruling making it clear that countries must curb their planet-warming emissions.
On July 23, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that all countries must cut greenhouse gas emissions and can be held liable for climate damages, even if they are not part of the Paris Agreement. Although non-binding, the opinion strengthens legal grounds for climate action and could spur more lawsuits globally.
For Singapore, with only 0.11% of global emissions but high per capita output and a major petrochemical industry, the ruling could bring greater scrutiny on its carbon tax, fossil fuel financing, and industrial activities. The ICJ also urges countries to adopt the highest ambition in climate targets, aiming for the 1.5°C limit, which may push nations to revise goals and strengthen accountability, especially in vulnerable regions like Southeast Asia.
