Fiji, Sept. 12 -- Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr says the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change gives vulnerable nations a powerful tool to demand accountability from major polluters.

Speaking at a side event on the ICJ opinion at the fringes of the Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara, Whipps said Pacific nations have grown frustrated with years of inaction at global climate talks.

"We go to climate change conferences, and we keep on talking and talking, and the action is just not happening. So, we have to attack it from all avenues. I congratulate Vanuatu for taking that leadership role and making it happen," he said.

Whipps said the ICJ ruling provides a foundation for change.

"Now that we have a d...