The UN's highest court has found countries can be held legally responsible for their greenhouse gas emissions.
The landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice paves the way for countries to sue each other.
It's a major - but non-binding - opinion, which had been keenly awaited by Pacific Island nations.
It began as an action by a group of Pacific university students, frustrated at a lack of action over the climate crisis.
Their idea was backed by the government of Vanuatu, which convinced the UN General Assembly to seek the court's advisory opinion on what countries' obligations are under international law.
RNZ's climate change correspondent Eloise Gibson has been gathering reaction to the decision.
Reclaimed land at Tuvalu's capital, Funafuti. Photo: Supplied: Hall Contracting
