The Government of Grenada welcomes the landmark advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 23 July 2025, which affirms the binding legal obligations of states under international law to address climate change and its devastating impacts.
This historic opinion, requested by the United Nations General Assembly, clarifies the responsibilities of states to protect the climate system and the environment from harmful greenhouse gas emissions. It also outlines the legal consequences for failing to meet these obligations.
A victory for climate justice
The ICJ’s opinion is a major step forward for climate justice, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Grenada and our fellow members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), which are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and ecosystem degradation threaten our economies, communities, and way of life.
Grenada applauds the ICJ’s recognition that:
- States have binding obligations under climate treaties such as the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement to reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and support vulnerable countries through finance, technology, and capacity-building
- Under customary international law, states must act with due diligence to prevent environmental harm and cooperate in good faith
- Climate obligations are also grounded in human rights law, the Law of the Sea, and other environmental treaties
- Breaches of these obligations constitute internationally wrongful acts, triggering legal consequences including cessation, non-repetition, and reparation
This opinion reinforces the urgent need for collective global action and provides a clear legal framework for holding states accountable. It empowers vulnerable nations to advocate more forcefully for climate ambition, equity, and justice on the international stage.
Grenada remains committed to fulfilling its climate obligations and calls on all nations — especially major emitters — to act decisively in line with the ICJ’s guidance. We also reaffirm our solidarity with other SIDS and developing countries in the global fight for climate resilience and sustainable development.
Grenada’s Attorney General, Sen. The Hon. Claudette Joseph welcomed this historic opinion of the ICJ, stating, “It marks a significant step for SIDS in our struggle for climate justice. We are particularly pleased with the rulings on cessation, non-repetition, reparations, and the duty to protect the planet for future generations. These were the thrust of our arguments.”
Prime Minister Honourable Dickon Mitchell commends our legal team, Attorney General Sen. the Hon. Claudette Joseph, Dr Justin Sobion and Rae Thomas, and the legal teams of all participating SIDS on this milestone achievement.
The Government of Grenada will continue to engage with regional and international partners to ensure that the ICJ’s opinion informs future negotiations, policies, and legal strategies aimed at safeguarding our planet for present and future generations.
Office of the Prime Minister
