More Stories

The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has cemented its reputation as a leader in international environmental law and climate justice. This year, Richardson alumni, faculty, and students played pivotal roles in two historic cases: the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) Advisory Opinion and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings on climate change.
These cases mark critical moments in global efforts to hold nations accountable for the devastating impacts of climate change, especially for small island states most vulnerable to its effects.
“The pivotal roles our alumni, faculty, and students have played in these historic cases underscore the power of a Richardson education,” said Dean Camille Nelson. “Our Pacific-focused curriculum, rooted in values of justice, aloha, and sustainability, prepares leaders to address the most pressing challenges of our time. Together, we are advancing climate justice and creating a more equitable future for vulnerable communities worldwide.”
ITLOS advisory opinion
In May 2024, ITLOS delivered a groundbreaking advisory opinion declaring that greenhouse gas emissions constitute pollution that harms the marine environment. The court emphasized the legal obligations of states to mitigate emissions, setting a powerful precedent for climate accountability. Richardson alumni and faculty were central to this decision.

Naima Te Maile Fifita ‘23 served as Counsel for the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS), representing them at the oral hearings in Hamburg. “”Representing COSIS in this historic advisory opinion was both a profound honor and a humbling experience. Advocating for small island states on the global stage underscored the pressing existential threats climate change poses to our communities. The collaboration with legal experts and states highlighted the importance of solidarity in achieving climate justice.”
Fifita reflected on how courses like environmental ethics, Pacific legal systems, and international law provided a strong foundation for addressing the intersection of climate resilience and legal frameworks. “Richardson’s emphasis on reciprocity, aloha, and social justice remains central to my work today.”
Clement Yow Mulalap ‘10 also played a significant role, representing Micronesia in the hearings. Drawing on his extensive expertise in international law, Mulalap emphasized the unique vulnerabilities of Pacific nations and the urgent need for accountability from larger states contributing to climate change.
Sherry Broder, a Lecturer in Law, contributed to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) written submission, drawing from her expertise in international environmental law. In addition, Julian Aguon ‘09 and his firm, Blue Ocean Law, supported COSIS in their submission, continuing their advocacy for Pacific Island nations.
ICJ hearings
In December 2024, the ICJ held hearings on a request led by Vanuatu, with 98 states and 12 international organizations participating. This unprecedented case seeks to establish the legal obligations of nations to protect vulnerable populations from climate change impacts. Once again, Hawaiʻi’s Law School was at the forefront.

Julian Aguon ‘09, Inouye Distinguished Chair in Democratic Ideals, represented Vanuatu through his firm, Blue Ocean Law, presenting critical arguments on behalf of the nation. Reflecting on the significance of this case, Aguon said, “This case is about unlocking the power of international law to address the climate crisis. It’s a massive effort, years in the making, and its potential to advance climate justice for frontline communities—especially small island developing states—is monumental.”
Clement Yow Mulalap ‘10 also represented Micronesia in the ICJ hearings, drawing from over a decade of experience in international environmental law.
Solomon Yeo, a recent LLM graduate, and Andrew Awa, a current LLM student, played key roles in early advocacy with Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change. Their efforts helped persuade Vanuatu to spearhead this historic initiative.

For Andrew Awa, this case represents the culmination of years of relentless advocacy. Reflecting on his early involvement with Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), Andrew recalls the initial 2019 meetings with Oxfam Vanuatu and the Ministry of Climate, often held outside the lecture theater at Emalus Campus.
“I still remember when we launched our first campaign, sailing in a Va’a canoe from Blue Lagoon to the Port Vila seafront with a banner that read, ‘We are not drowning; we are fighting.’ It was a powerful and emotional moment that symbolized our resolve,” said Awa.
Despite skepticism from some colleagues and scholars who doubted the feasibility of bringing their claims to the ICJ, Andrew and his peers persisted. Their collective effort, supported by organizations like Oxfam Vanuatu and the Vanuatu Government, alongside the dedication of 27 student campaigners, kept the momentum alive.
“Seeing our efforts come to fruition on such a significant stage is incredibly rewarding. It’s proof that student-led initiatives can inspire global change and bring climate justice to the forefront.”
Andrew’s journey embodies the grassroots energy that drives Richardson’s global impact, connecting the school’s students and alumni to pivotal movements in international law.
Richardson’s legacy
The active involvement of Richardson alumni, faculty, and students in these cases highlights the school’s unwavering commitment to international law, environmental law, and climate justice. Through its Pacific and Indigenous-focused curriculum, Richardson equips its graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, fostering leaders who create meaningful change both locally and globally.
Rooted in Hawai‘i’s rich cultural heritage, Richardson Law integrates unique perspectives on reciprocity, sustainability, and social justice into its programs. This approach not only prepares graduates to tackle complex legal issues but also empowers them to advocate for vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis.
As the world faces the intensifying effects of climate change, Richardson Law stands at the forefront of innovative legal education and advocacy, driving solutions for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Join us in celebrating the William S. Richardson School of Law’s legacy of leadership. Your support helps us empower the next generation of legal leaders dedicated to justice, resilience, and sustainability.