Today’s historic ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has confirmed what parents across Australia have long known: governments have a legal duty to protect people - especially children - from the harms of climate change. The ICJ has unequivocally declared that a safe, healthy and sustainable environment is a human right, and that states must take all necessary measures to prevent climate harm.
Parents for Climate CEO Nic Seton said, “The world’s highest court has spoken clearly: protecting children from climate harm is not optional. It is a legal obligation. We call on the Albanese Government to deliver a 2035 climate plan that reflects this duty of care - not just to today’s children, but to future generations.”
The ICJ found that greenhouse gas pollution causes serious harm to people’s rights to life, health, housing, food, water and a clean environment. It confirmed that under international law, states have legal obligations to prevent environmental harm and cooperate in good faith to limit warming to 1.5°C.
This opinion lands at a critical moment for Australia, as the federal government prepares to announce its 2035 emissions reduction target under the Paris Agreement. Parents across the country are urging Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Chris Bowen to lead with courage and compassion.
“Our children deserve more than promises. They deserve action that meets the scale of the crisis,” said Seton. “As parents, we will not accept delay, distraction or denial.”
Parents for Climate supports the growing number of legal voices demanding accountability for climate inaction. Equity Generation Lawyers, who represented young Australians in climate litigation, welcomed the ruling.
“Pacific leadership through the ICJ ruling shows that Australia must commit to an emissions reduction target in line with 1.5 degrees. The ruling puts Australia on notice that if it continues to subsidise fossil fuel production, and approve expansion and exploration, the government may be committing an internationally wrongful act.”, said David Barnden, Principal at Equity Generation Lawyers.
Parents for Climate is calling on Cabinet to heed the ICJ’s message and deliver a 2035 target that:
- Aligns with the 1.5°C temperature goal,
- Phases out coal and gas exports,
- Delivers real emissions cuts, not offsets,
- And centers the wellbeing of children and communities.