Nations who fail to curb fossil fuels could be ordered to pay reparations, top UN court rules

Landmark opinion says those that fail to prevent climate harm could be liable for compensation and restitution

States must tackle fossil fuels, the world's top court has ruled, and failing to prevent harm to the climate could result in them being ordered to pay reparations.

In a landmark advisory opinion published on Wednesday, the international court of justice (ICJ) said countries must prevent harm to the climate system and that failing to do so could result in their having to pay compensation and make other forms of restitution.