Port Moresby, 25 July 2025 — Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) landmark advisory opinion on climate change, delivered on 23 July, calling it a “monumental victory for climate justice” and a major step forward for Pacific nations like Papua New Guinea.
The advisory opinion, requested by the United Nations General Assembly, affirms that states have a legal obligation under international law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It further states that failure to act may constitute an “internationally wrongful act,” opening the door to legal accountability for climate inaction.
“This ruling reinforces what Pacific nations have long championed: a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a fundamental human right,” said Prime Minister Marape. “It is a landmark for climate justice and for sovereign island nations like Papua New Guinea, whose very existence is under threat.”
The ICJ concluded that countries must act decisively to curb emissions from fossil fuels and reconsider policies such as exploration licences and fossil fuel subsidies. The court also suggested that nations suffering climate-related harm may be entitled to reparations, provided a causal link can be established. Although the opinion is non-binding, it carries significant legal and political weight, especially in the lead-up to COP30 in Brazil.
“This advisory opinion is a monumental victory for climate justice,” said Marape. “It vindicates the voices and sacrifices of Pacific communities standing at the frontline of sea-level rise, extreme weather and biodiversity loss.”
Prime Minister Marape also underscored PNG’s long-standing record on environmental protection and climate leadership. “Papua New Guinea has long stood against environmental harm — from rejecting deep-sea mining to championing Indigenous-led ocean reserves. This ruling empowers our efforts to safeguard our marine and forest ecosystems for future generations.”
He called on high-emitting nations to meet their international responsibilities. “We urge all nations — especially historic emitters — to honour their legal obligations and commit to urgent, equitable climate action. The era of delay and denial is over. The law is now clear.”
Following the ICJ’s opinion, Papua New Guinea intends to deepen its engagement on the global stage. The government plans to use the ruling to strengthen diplomatic pressure during climate negotiations, explore legal avenues to reinforce environmental commitments and pursue strategic partnerships for climate finance and conservation efforts.
Marape said PNG would continue to lead by example through its moratorium on environmentally destructive activities and its commitment to inclusive, sustainable development.
Prime Minister Marape has consistently taken strong positions on environmental and climate issues. He remains a vocal opponent of deep-sea mining, citing risks to fisheries, fragile ecosystems and community livelihoods. In June, he advocated for the Melanesian Ocean Reserve and Indigenous-led conservation at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. In September 2024, he called for stronger international recognition of the threats posed by sea-level rise during the UN General Assembly’s 79th session.
Marape said the ICJ’s advisory opinion aligns legal authority with moral leadership, giving Pacific nations powerful leverage in their ongoing struggle for survival and justice.
PM Marape said this legal breakthrough now provide authoritative backing for PNG’s climate agenda, “aligning moral leadership with international law to protect our people, nation and Pacific region.”
