In July 2025, the International Court of Justice delivered its Advisory Opinion on the obligations of States in respect of climate change, requested by the UN General Assembly (Resolution 77/276). The Court found that States have binding legal obligations to protect the climate system, arising not only from climate treaties but also from customary international law, human rights law, and the law of the sea. Importantly, the Court found that a State’s failure to take appropriate action to protect the climate system, including through fossil fuel production, fossil fuel consumption, granting exploration licences or providing subsidies, may constitute an internationally wrongful act. This opinion is the most authoritative statement of international climate law to date. COP31 in Türkiye is where States must reckon with what it actually demands of them, in their negotiating positions, national policies, and legal frameworks especially on the issue of fossil fuels. This event will bring together a variety of speakers to discuss the various elements of a fossil fuel phaseout; production, licensing, subsidies and incentives and speak to how the Advisory Opinion makes a legal case to phase out fossil fuels.

Venue

Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion

Speakers

COP31 Special Envoy Tina Stege, Johanna Gusman - Ministerial Adviser, Vanuatu, Professor Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, Anne Rasmussen - AOSIS Lead Negotiator, Moderator: Siosiua Veikune (PISFCC)