UN court’s landmark ruling paves the way for greater accountability from countries for climate harm

Richardson Law alumni played key roles in a global climate justice victory as the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a historic advisory opinion in July 2025. The case, initiated by Vanuatu in 2023 and heard in December 2024, asked the Court to clarify countries’ legal obligations to address climate change, an effort shaped by the work of Julian Aguon ’09, Clement Yow Mulalap ’10, and other members of the Richardson community.

Julian Aguon, through his firm Blue Ocean Law, represented Vanuatu before the ICJ. Clement Yow Mulalap represented the Federated States of Micronesia. Both were joined by LLM graduates Solomon Yeo ‘24  and Andrew Awa ‘25, whose early grassroots work with Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change helped catalyze the campaign for an advisory opinion. Naima Te Maile Fifita ’23, who previously served as counsel for the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), also contributed to the broader regional effort to secure climate accountability through international law.

“This ruling is a victory for people and the planet. It marks the end of one era (climate impunity) and the start of a new one (climate accountability), said Julian Aguon. “Countries must protect the climate system from dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, and failure to do so (including through producing, consuming, and subsidizing fossil fuels) may constitute an internationally wrongful act. This ruling, which is incredibly clear, is nothing less than a legal blueprint for climate justice.”

While the ICJ’s opinion is advisory, it carries significant legal and moral weight. The ruling affirms that countries must take ambitious action to reduce emissions and may be held accountable under international law for inaction or harmful policies. It also opens the door for climate-vulnerable nations to seek redress in national and international courts.

The contributions of Richardson alumni to this historic outcome reflect the law school’s deep-rooted commitment to international law, environmental law, and Pacific communities. Their work demonstrates how Richardson prepares legal professionals to lead on some of the most urgent challenges facing our world today.