The United Nations’ top court in a landmark advisory opinion says countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take measures to protect the planet from climate change, and nations harmed by its effects could be entitled to reparations.

Severe weather and natural disasters, are on the rise. This week, the top United Nations court ruled that countries are obligated to limit climate change under international law, in response. Cheryl Johnson with People for Community Recovery joins WGN's Micah Materre to discuss this historic ruling and what it could mean for environmental justice.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a unanimous opinion on July 23, 2025, that climate change is "an existential problem of planetary proportions that imperils all forms of life and the very health of our planet.