Barbados advocates for Climate Justice at International Court of Justice

It is for the first time Barbados took its case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) where senior minister Kerrie Symmonds noted the urgent need for climate justice.

Speaking as the Head of Delegation of small island developing states (SIDS), Symmonds reiterated that these countries are under serious risks of ‘sinking’ through global warming and climate change embodied in sea surge and violent weather disturbances.

The ICJ, the UN’s primary legal arm, is deliberating on the factors that the states owe on regards to the climate change.

The demand for an advisory opinion has been made by nations such as Vanuatu and is supported by more than 130 nations. The request aims to establish legal obligations for financing adaptation and managing climate vulnerability and harm.

Although, it is an unenforceable ruling of the court, it can play an important role for advocacy and affect the international climate politics.

Barbados interventions brings out the saddening reality of SIDS. In fact, they are among the tiniest emitters of greenhouse gases which contribute little to global warming yet suffer the impacts most harshly.

Symmonds called for increased international support towards achieving capacity development and sustainability, emphasized the need to develop financial instruments rather than rely on voluntary funding.

The ICJ hearings arrive at a time when there is growing disappointment over lack of sufficient climate finance. As the vulnerable nations have claimed, the developed countries are not to abide by the promises made and allow the developing nations inadequate funds to cope.

An advisory opinion could recast international responsibility to include more stringent measures and force the large emitters towards doing significantly more toward resilience in terms of climate and environment.

With this appearance, Barbados is setting the tone for other nations to ask for equity and justice in facing the climate change. It could cement changes to international law and seek more ambitious efforts to help those worst-hit by climate change.