We have written to Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, asking whether the government will welcome the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change and how they are preparing for COP30, in particular the issue of financing for previously agreed reparations. We encourage you to use this as a template for your own letter to your MP or local press.
Dear Secretary of State,
The ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change
At the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF UK), we hope that you will join us in welcoming the recent unanimous advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change.
The 133-page document states that a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is an essential human right, and that a small group of countries, including the United Kingdom, are legally responsible for the continuing effects of global heating. In particular the fossil fuel and military arms industries are responsible for their greenhouse gas emissions.
We are pleased to note that your government has not issued any new licences for the exploration or exploitation of oil and gas fields. However, subsidies to the fossil fuel industry still amount to £17.5 billion a year. The ICJ says that this “may constitute an international wrongful act”. In addition, the ICJ judgement says that states are responsible for the private sector within their jurisdiction, and they must regulate corporate activities that contribute to the climate crisis.
This important ruling underlines the role of the United Nations (UN) which instructed the ICJ to produce this document following years of campaigning by Pacific Islands law students. It must inform the process and outcomes of the UN COP30 meeting in Belem, Brazil this November, which will concentrate on accelerating adaptation to climate change and ensuring climate finance for developing countries. COP30 will also emphasise the importance of a just transition to a green economy and the need for increased inclusivity and equity in climate policy, particularly for marginalised groups.
WILPF UK would like to know how HM government will respond to the ICJ document and how you are preparing for COP30, in particular the issue of financing for previously agreed reparations.
Yours in peace
30 July 2025
