On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a historic advisory opinion on climate change. While not legally binding, the opinion confirms that states have obligations under international law to prevent environmental harm, including from greenhouse gas emissions, and that these duties extend to regulating private actors.

In this episode of ESG Matters, host Elena Lambros, a partner in our Risk Advisory practice, is joined by legal experts from across our global disputes and arbitration teams, including Arne Fuchs, James Clarke, and Erin Eckhoff. Together, they unpack the implications of the ICJ’s opinion and what it could mean for climate-related litigation, corporate liability, and governance standards around the world.

They explore developments across key jurisdictions including, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK and examine how legal systems are beginning to engage with the idea of a climate change duty of care. They also consider how courts may treat climate inaction, what this means for companies with high-emission operations or supply chains, and why boards and legal teams need to be watching closely.

Explore more of Ashurst’s analysis of the ICJ opinion. 

To listen and subscribe to future episodes, search for ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app. For more from Ashurst’s podcast library, visit ashurst.com/podcasts.

This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should seek professional advice before acting on the content discussed.

On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a historic advisory opinion on climate change. While not legally binding, the opinion confirms that states have obligations under international law to prevent environmental harm, including from greenhouse gas emissions, and that these duties extend to regulating private actors.
In this episode of ESG Matters, host <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashurst.com%2Fen%2Fpeople%2Felena-lambros%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C5e972ccd70274ee901dd08ddd3e4c22d%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638899701682368649%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=AipGA78xlXfSSwHrwY3DiiwtMJRgTyOUwDp1BpU3AP0%3D&amp;reserved=0">Elena Lambros</a>, a partner in our Risk Advisory practice, is joined by legal experts from across our global disputes and arbitration teams, including <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashurst.com%2Fen%2Fpeople%2Farne-fuchs%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C5e972ccd70274ee901dd08ddd3e4c22d%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638899701682384707%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=HDTsouFcfADKRAj3QWPnlj8g75H7ZgKgpKAdAYzEMJA%3D&amp;reserved=0">Arne Fuchs</a>, <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashurst.com%2Fen%2Fpeople%2Fjames-clarke%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C5e972ccd70274ee901dd08ddd3e4c22d%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638899701682405312%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=pbT0tfLbuMveT7oIrca%2FjQDrDBJ0exwfyUC%2FqtWu%2B2g%3D&amp;reserved=0">James Clarke</a>, and <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashurst.com%2Fen%2Fpeople%2Ferin-eckhoff%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C5e972ccd70274ee901dd08ddd3e4c22d%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638899701682422465%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2FQY556UHI9kYmlg3NOQdfVE1pOnmeLc74B60QM0fgDI%3D&amp;reserved=0">Erin Eckhoff</a>. Together, they unpack the implications of the ICJ&rsquo;s opinion and what it could mean for climate-related litigation, corporate liability, and governance standards around the world.
They explore developments across key jurisdictions including, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK and examine how legal systems are beginning to engage with the idea of a climate change duty of care. They also consider how courts may treat climate inaction, what this means for companies with high-emission operations or supply chains, and why boards and legal teams need to be watching closely.
<a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/search/#globalsearch_e=0&amp;globalsearch_q=ICJ">Explore</a> more of Ashurst&rsquo;s analysis of the ICJ opinion.&nbsp;
To listen and subscribe to future episodes, search for ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app. For more from Ashurst&rsquo;s podcast library, visit <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashurst.com%2Fpodcasts&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C5e972ccd70274ee901dd08ddd3e4c22d%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638899701682593282%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=k%2FM47FVujZNH6BSNZz%2BlRnFXKRqWQ2UocUUgn40lqZk%3D&amp;reserved=0">ashurst.com/podcasts</a>.
This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should seek professional advice before acting on the content discussed.

Sustainability is an issue that affects us all, but how can we take steps to provoke meaningful change and make a lasting impact on environmental, social and governance issues across the globe? We explore the intersection of business value with business values for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Sustainability is an issue that affects us all, but how can we take steps to provoke meaningful change and make a lasting impact on environmental, social and governance issues across the globe? We explore the intersection of business value with business values for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Join us for our first podcast series, ESG Matters @ Ashurst as we go searching for answers and providing practical advice to help you address the challenges facing your organisation.

ESG Matters @ Ashurst Podcast

ESG Matters @ Ashurst

A landmark international opinion may signal a shift from voluntary climate goals to enforceable legal duties—with major implications for business. 

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