The United Nations’ top court in a landmark advisory opinion says countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take measures to protect the planet from climate change, and nations harmed by its effects could be entitled to reparations.

On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gave an advisory opinion on the obligation of states to protect the climate system and the environment from manmade emissions of greenhouse gases as they affect states and persons of present and future generations.

Severe weather and natural disasters, are on the rise. This week, the top United Nations court ruled that countries are obligated to limit climate change under international law, in response. Cheryl Johnson with People for Community Recovery joins WGN's Micah Materre to discuss this historic ruling and what it could mean for environmental justice.