Dhaka, July 24 -- In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared that countries have a legal obligation to act against climate change and can be held responsible for environmental and human harm caused by their failure to do so.

The advisory opinion, delivered in The Hague on Wednesday, affirms that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a fundamental human right. It marks a major development in international climate law, stating that nations must assess climate risks, regulate polluting industries, and prevent transboundary harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

The ruling follows a 2023 resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly, led by Pacific Island nations and supported by countries like ...