India, Aug. 8 -- Advocates for urgent climate action cheered the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) advisory opinion, which held that climate action is a legal obligation of nation-States. The opinion is a 'planetary' victory at a time when Western governments are increasingly adopting anti-climate stances. Though non-binding, the judgment carries significant legal and moral authority, with the potential to influence future treaty negotiations, domestic legislation, and policy regulations.

Yet, it is essential to understand whether this opinion is merely a moral win or if it can provide impetus toward a new era of climate justice and action. The answer lies in how the world responds to four key areas addressed by the ICJ: legal oblig...