In this week’s blog, Dr. Enam K. Antonio examines how the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on climate obligations reshapes Africa’s approach to its 2025 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). She explains that the Court interprets “highest possible ambition” as a binding legal standard, not just a political goal, requiring states to align ambition with their real capacities.

In this post, Professor Bradlow examines how the International Court of Justice’s 2025 climate change advisory opinion may influence African sovereign debt negotiations. While debt talks have traditionally centered on economics and contracts, they often neglect environmental and social impacts. The ICJ affirmed states’ duties under customary international law to cooperate and prevent environmental harm. Professor Bradlow highlights how this opens new avenues for African debtors, creditors, and activists to push for climate-conscious debt restructuring, link debt to human rights obligations, and hold financial institutions accountable for environmental and social consequences.