‘Ambition as a Benchmark’: The Fight for Climate Justice at the ICJ

“Since about four years ago, I can count the times we’ve been told that what we’re trying to do is too ambitious. But with the UNGA resolution adopted by consensus, and over 90 states’ and IO submissions before the ICJ, I guess ‘ambitious’ has become the benchmark for us. So if it seems too ambitious, that must be the way to go, precisely because what we need is more ambitious action.” 

Nicole Ponce - Environmental and human rights lawyer-advocate

Nicole Ponce speaking at The Promise Europe launch conference

These words from Nicole Ponce, shared during our May conference, The Promise of International Law in the Face of Ecological Crises, resonate powerfully as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) prepares for the public hearings in this matter: the request for an advisory opinion on the legal obligations of States to protect the climate system. From December 2 to 13, the ICJ will hear arguments from 100 States and 12 International Organizations at the Peace Palace in The Hague—an unprecedented level of participation. This collective effort reflects the global community’s recognition that addressing the climate crisis requires action on an ambitious scale.

Nicole Ponce, an environmental and human rights lawyer-advocate from the Philippines, serves as the Asian front convener for World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ) and is a member of its global steering committee. Her advocacy underscores the importance of intergenerational equity, ensuring that today’s decisions prioritize the rights and futures of younger generations and those yet to come. For Ponce, the ICJ hearings are a pivotal moment where ambition meets opportunity, a chance to clarify States’ obligations under international law and demand accountability for climate harms.

The hearings respond to a historic request for an advisory opinion, adopted by consensus by the 193 UN Member States at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This landmark resolution not only reflects the political will of the international community but also underscores the growing role of international law in shaping climate governance. With over 100 States and international organizations participating in these proceedings, Ponce’s observation rings true: ambition has become the benchmark for climate action.

Ponce’s words remind us that “ambitious” is not a deterrent—it is a necessity. These ICJ hearings, with their unprecedented scope and participation, represent a collective step toward holding States accountable for protecting the climate system and ensuring the rights of future generations. As the international community convenes to deliberate on these obligations, the demand for ambitious action has never been more urgent.

To hear more from Nicole on the climate movement and her thoughts on the upcoming ICJ advisory opinion, watch her speak on this panel from our May conference below.