In a landmark decision, the International Court of Justice found that polluting countries are now legally obligated to address global warming. In a unanimous ruling by a panel of 15 judges, the court said high-emitting countries do have legal obligations under international law to address the “urgent and existential threat” of climate change.

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.