"Island States Rally for Climate Protection under Law of the Sea"

The prime ministers of Tuvalu and Antigua and Barbuda appeared at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea seeking an advisory opinion on countries' obligations to combat climate change. They argued that nations have a duty to protect the marine environment from greenhouse gas emissions under the UN convention on the Law of the Sea. The tribunal will issue a non-binding advisory opinion that could guide countries in crafting climate protection laws. Small island states are at risk of being submerged due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. The legal hearings represent a significant step in defining climate-related obligations under international law.