Advocating Change: From Climate Justice to Climate Action

The Idea

Climate change today stands not only as an environmental crisis but as a defining legal and ethical challenge of our time. The recent Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) marks a historic step in recognizing the legal responsibilities of states to address the climate emergency. To explore the far-reaching implications of this opinion for global and national climate governance, the Mobius Foundation convened a high-level dialogue on “Advocating Change: From Climate Justice to Climate Action.”

The discussion brought together eminent jurists, policymakers, legal experts, and youth voices to deliberate on how international climate law can shape actionable policies and strengthen accountability in environmental governance.

Overview

Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the event featured distinguished speakers, including Hon’ble Justice Mr. Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson, National Green Tribunal), Hon’ble Justice Antonio Herman Benjamin (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Justice, Brazil), Prof. Narinder Singh (Former Head, Legal & Treaties Division, MoEA; Member, International Law Commission), Ms. Urmi Goswami (Assistant Editor, The Economic Times), and Advocate, Barrister, and Author Mr. Jatinder Cheema.

The dialogue explored the intersection of law, science, and policy in advancing climate action. Speakers highlighted the ICJ’s recognition of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as an authoritative body on scientific evidence, the binding nature of state obligations, and the growing importance of judicial leadership in enforcing climate accountability.

The discussion also underscored the role of young legal professionals and students in carrying forward the principles of climate justice into national frameworks. Over 180 students, policymakers, journalists, and academics attended the session—reflecting a shared commitment to transforming legal discourse into meaningful environmental action.

Speakers