New Delhi: India criticized wealthy nations for their role in the ongoing climate crisis during an important session at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday. The country highlighted that these developed nations have taken most of the global carbon budget for themselves, did not keep their promises regarding climate finance, and are now telling developing countries to limit their use of resources.
The ICJ hearing is focused on the legal obligations countries have regarding climate change and the potential consequences of failing to act. Luther M Rangreji, a senior official in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, argued, "When the contribution to environmental harm is uneven, the responsibility should also be uneven."
India pointed out that developing countries are disproportionately impacted by climate change, even though they contribute very little to it. Rangreji stated, "The developed nations, which have historically caused the most damage, are ironically the ones best equipped to tackle this issue."
He criticized these wealthier countries for benefiting from fossil fuels while simultaneously discouraging developing nations from using their own energy sources. "Nations that have gained from exploiting fossil fuels now ask developing countries not to use their available resources," he explained.
India also expressed frustration over the lack of progress on promised climate finance. It referred to the USD 100 billion pledge made by developed countries during the 2009 Copenhagen summit and the intentions to increase contributions to the Adaptation Fund as unfulfilled commitments. Furthermore, India described a new climate finance package agreed upon at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan as "too little, too distant" to satisfy the immediate needs of developing nations.
Emphasizing fairness, India reiterated, "If the role in causing global environmental damage isn’t equal, then the responsibility must reflect that inequality." The country confirmed its dedication to its climate goals under the Paris Agreement while cautioning against placing excessive burdens on its citizens. "We can only ask so much from our people, even as India works towards Sustainable Development Goals for one-sixth of the world’s population," it stated.
This court hearing stems from a lengthy advocacy effort by Pacific island nations and Vanuatu, which led to a UN resolution requesting the ICJ’s advisory opinion. In the coming two weeks, 98 nations, including both small island nations and major polluters, will offer their perspectives.
Although the ICJ’s opinion is non-binding, it could establish important moral and legal standards in the ongoing global fight against climate change.
