00:00A landmark ruling by a top UN court has opened the door for countries to sue each other over climate change.
00:07The non-binding ruling, unanimously backed by 15 judges at the International Court of Justice,
00:12is being called a turning point in international climate law.
00:18The court said countries are also responsible for companies under their control.
00:22It added that fossil fuel subsidies or approving new oil and gas licenses could also be in breach of a country's obligation.
00:30The case was led by the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu and backed by more than 130 countries.
00:37UN Chief Antonio Guterres praised the ruling, saying it reaffirms that climate policies must align with the Paris Agreement.
00:44While non-binding legal experts said the ruling could have far-reaching effects for climate-vulnerable nations,
00:50who say global action has been too slow.
00:53But its impact may be limited, as the U.S., the biggest historical emitter,
00:57has rolled back climate regulations under U.S. President Donald Trump.
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