The International Court of Justice (ICJ) today released its unanimous advisory opinion on obligations of States in respect of climate change (the Advisory Opinion). The Advisory Opinion, delivered by Judge Yuji Iwasawa and non-binding, determined that States may face legal consequences under international law for failing to meet their obligations to address climate change and protect the environment. This bulletin briefly summarizes background information, key findings of the Advisory Opinion, and highlights from separate opinions of ICJ judges delivered alongside the Advisory Opinion. Background. On 29 March 2023, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution requesting the ICJ to give an advisory opinion on the following questions: (a) What are the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) for States and for present and future generations? (b) What are the legal consequences under these obligations for States where they, by their acts and omissions, have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, with respect to: (i) States, including, in particular, small island developing States, which due to their geographical circumstances and level of development, are injured or specially affected by or are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change? (ii) Peoples and individuals of the present and future generations affected by the adverse effects of climate change? Key findings. Key findings of the Advisory Opinion in response to question (a) include: International climate change treaties, including the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC), Kyoto Protocol (KP) and the Paris Agreement (PA), set forth binding obligations for States parties to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic GHG emissions. Customary international law sets forth obligations for States to ensure the…