Belize Advocates for Climate Accountability at ICJ

Belize has presented oral arguments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as part of the Advisory Opinion proceedings on state obligations regarding climate change.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Dr. Kenrick Williams, stressed the urgent need to clarify legal responsibilities for mitigating climate impacts and protecting vulnerable populations.

Dr. Williams stressed the severe risks faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and described the hearings as a pivotal moment for global climate accountability. “This Advisory Opinion represents a historic opportunity for the international community to clarify the obligations of States in addressing this global crisis. For Belize, the stakes could not be higher,” Dr. Williams stated.

In his address, Dr. Williams detailed the escalating challenges facing Belize, including rising sea levels, warming oceans, and increasingly destructive storms. He pointed to the coastal community of Monkey River as a case study, where severe erosion and economic losses underscore the wider climate crisis affecting SIDS. Despite these challenges, Belize has shown resilience, protecting over 40% of its territory, transitioning to renewable energy, and pioneering innovative financing mechanisms like the Blue Bonds initiative for marine conservation.

The ICJ proceedings focus on critical issues such as state obligations to curb greenhouse gas emissions, prevent environmental harm, and support adaptation measures. Belize has urged the court to issue guidance that strengthens accountability and enhances international cooperation under key frameworks like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.