France urges top U.N. court to 'clarify' international climate law
The Hindu
France urges U.N. court to clarify international law on climate change, emphasising the importance of a clear legal framework.
France on Thursday urged the United Nations top court to "clarify" international law relating to the fight against climate change, saying judges had a "unique opportunity" to provide a clear legal framework.
The International Court of Justice is holding historic hearings to craft a so-called "advisory opinion" on states' responsibilities to fight climate change and the consequences for those damaging the environment.
"France is convinced that these advisory proceedings provide a unique opportunity for the court to contribute to identifying and clarifying international law in regard to the fight against climate change," said Diego Colas, the country's representative.
"Like many other countries, France has high expectations of these proceedings and the opinion that you will hand down," added Mr. Colas.
He said that the impact of the ICJ's opinion was "beyond doubt".
France was one of more than 100 countries and organisations presenting at the ICJ, the biggest case ever before the world's top court.
Critics say the ICJ's advisory opinion, which will take months if not years to write, will lack teeth as it is non binding upon states and there is no means of enforcement.
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