Climate Change: A Matter of Survival
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s Urgent Call to Action
THE HAGUE, Netherlands, CMC—Gastón Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, has urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to use its voice to "inspire action" on climate change, as his country and other small island developing states (SIDS) seek advisory opinions on states’ obligations regarding climate change.
The Crisis
Antigua and Barbuda is a "small island state on the front line of a global climate emergency," and existing action has not adequately addressed the crisis that is devastating lives and the future. The country has experienced the consequences of climate change, including rising sea levels, ocean temperature increases, and the passage of hurricanes, such as Irma in 2017, which struck with winds of 270 miles per hour. The rebuilding exercise has "added tremendously to our debt burden."
The Burden of Debt
Large, wealthy countries can borrow on the international markets at three percent per annum, while high-income SIDS like Antigua and Barbuda must borrow commercially at 10 percent to finance repeated building of infrastructure damaged by hurricanes caused by the failure of other states to mitigate emissions.
The Principle of Prevention
The principle of prevention, a cornerstone of international environmental law, demands that states take action to avoid causing significant harm to others. "Yet, global emissions continue to rise," said Browne, adding that as the threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius is being crossed, the very existence of SIDS is threatened by the failure of polluting countries to act.
The Urgent Need for Action
The ICJ is holding public hearings on a request for an advisory opinion on the Obligation of States regarding climate change. Browne emphasized that SIDS believe in the power of international law and that the ICJ’s voice "can inspire the urgent action that has eluded the political arena." He urged the ICJ to remind the world that small nations’ rights, vulnerable peoples, and future generations are not secondary but fundamental, and that the people of Antigua and Barbuda are counting on the ICJ to take action.
Conclusion
In the face of an unprecedented climate crisis, it is imperative that the international community comes together to address this issue. The ICJ’s advisory opinion can be a powerful tool in inspiring action and holding states accountable for their obligations under international law. The people of Antigua and Barbuda, and indeed the world, are counting on the ICJ to take a strong stance on this matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the ICJ’s advisory opinion on climate change?
A: The ICJ is holding public hearings on a request for an advisory opinion on the Obligation of States regarding climate change, with a view to providing guidance to states on their obligations under international law to address the crisis.
Q: What is the significance of the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold?
A: The 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold is a critical threshold for global warming, beyond which the risks of climate change are significantly increased. SIDS are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold is a key target for global action.
Q: What can be done to address the climate crisis?
A: The international community must come together to address the climate crisis. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and providing support to vulnerable countries like SIDS. The ICJ’s advisory opinion can be a powerful tool in inspiring action and holding states accountable for their obligations under international law.
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