The island nation of Vanuatu has been the driving force behind efforts to get the International Court of Justice to deliver its first-ever legal opinion on climate change."And you don't have a legal right to do that under international law.

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.

Student Vepaiamele says the international court's advisory opinion also affirms countries' legal obligations to combat climate change and protect human rights.