The International Court of Justice called global warming an “urgent and existential threat” at a closely watched case in The Hague.

The International Court of Justice said that climate change threatens all life and may violate human rights. It also said that citizens can hold governments legally accountable for not taking adequate action to ensure a safe climate.

The world’s top court may not be able to compel polluting states to halt planet-warming emissions, but experts say its momentous climate decision gives

The U.N.'s top court was due to set out a non-binding legal opinion on the extent of legal and financial responsibility countries have for climate change.

In a landmark advisory opinion on July 23, the International Court of Justice said all countries have significant legal responsibilities to prevent further climate harm by slashing their climate pollution rapidly.

Nations must protect current and future generations from environmental harm, says the International Court of Justice.

Youth climate change activists celebrated as the United Nations' highest court issued a significant advisory opinion on Wednesday stating that countries could breach international law if they neglect to implement measures to safeguard the planet against climate change.