Countries have a legal obligation to tackle climate change, according to a landmark finding from the world’s highest court.

Last week, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion that said climate change is an “urgent and existential threat” to humanity and countries have a “duty to cooperate” on addressing it.

For the Pacific Island students who brought their case to the ICJ, the ruling marks the end of a six year fight. They hope it also marks the start of a new chapter where others can apply the ruling to hold polluting governments to account.

Today, reporter Cheyne Anderson discusses what we owe smaller nation states, and the implications for Australia.

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Guest: Reporter Cheyne Anderson