Courts around the world are now playing a growing role in tackling climate change, stepping in as frustration grows over the slow pace of political action. Almost 3,000 climate-related lawsuits have been filed by the end of 2024 across nearly 60 countries. Experts believe that these cases are helping to increase pressure on governments and companies to follow through on their environmental promises. This week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to release a highly anticipated advisory opinion that could define legal responsibilities for states regarding climate action. The opinion could also explore the possible consequences for major polluters causing environmental damage. Although such opinions are not legally binding, they hold global influence and help shape national policies and court decisions. In recent years, a few major court cases have become milestones in the climate movement. For instance, the Dutch Supreme Court in 2019 ordered the government to cut emissions by 25% following a case by environmental group Urgenda. Similarly, in 2021, Germany’s Constitutional Court ruled that weak climate policies violated the rights of future generations. Moreover, international courts have also started taking strong positions on the issue. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea recently recognized carbon emissions as a marine pollutant and stated that countries are legally obligated to reduce their effects on oceans. Meanwhile, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights declared that protecting the climate system is as important as preventing genocide or torture. Now, all attention is on the ICJ, especially after Vanuatu, a vulnerable island nation, asked the court to clarify states’ duties and address potential legal consequences for large-scale polluters. Experts suggest this could open the door for future debates on global justice and reparations for climate damage. While the outcome may not enforce immediate changes, it will strongly guide legal and political paths ahead.