When people come together with conviction to stand up for a cause, miracles
can happen. This was also evident when a large number of people joined forces
to advocate for the many islands that are in grave danger due to rising sea levels.
TO THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
It all began on the front lines of the climate crisis, when a group of students from the Pacific region and the government of the island nation of Vanuatu decided to take their fight for the right to life to the world’s highest court: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Several countries soon joined them, and many nonprofit organizations also helped fund this case.
The campaign led to a groundbreaking ruling by the Court:
THE URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO COMBAT THE CLIMATE CRISIS IS NOT OPTIONAL, BUT IS A LEGAL OBLIGATION.
States have a duty to prevent climate damage, protect human rights, phase out the use of fossil fuels, and remedy climate-related damage and loss.
This requires a structured follow-up for implementation—including reporting to the UN Secretary-General.
If everyone can act as they see fit regarding the consequences of climate change—if it remains optional—there is no incentive to comply.
Then there is no guarantee that people will actually take effective action, in general and now in particular, given the ongoing rise in sea levels, to help the islands that are already in grave danger. Only if it becomes a legal obligation can it have an impact.
But for that to happen, governments must commit to this obligation.
The path to achieving this is through the United Nations.
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
For a year, efforts have been made on many fronts to influence the views of governments. Numerous civil society organizations, newspapers, other media outlets, legal associations, health organizations, and independent organizations such as AVAAZ—with millions of members worldwide—have worked tirelessly.
AVAAZ alone collected more than 460,000 (!) signatures, an incredible show of support for this cause!
Recently, in May of this year, the matter finally came before the United Nations General Assembly.
After heated discussions and amendments, the so-called Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice was put to a vote. Or, more precisely: the OPERATIONALIZATION of that Opinion—meaning that it must be implemented and given the force of law.
After all the bickering—even after the 2015 Paris Agreement, where so much was promised—this result is unprecedented!
And there was something else:
As a sign of solidarity, these countries promised that they would never erase the island states as nations, that their sovereignty would be preserved, even if their land is put in grave danger by the sea.
IT ALMOST FAILED, THOUGH
Behind the scenes, oil-producing nations pulled out all the stops to crush this movement. Trump tried to intimidate and pressure Vanuatu discreetly, through back channels, to withdraw the resolution, while Saudi Arabia and other countries did everything they could to water down the text.
Among the countries voting against it—and this will come as no surprise to anyone—were the biggest polluter: the United States, as well as Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, among others.
THE FIRST TIME
This is the first time that, at the highest level and by an overwhelming number of states, it has been recognized that there is an obligation—to one’s own citizens, their descendants, and their interests, as well as to one another—because emissions from fossil fuels, in particular, spread far beyond national borders, with the most vulnerable bearing the brunt of the negative consequences.
In a time that sometimes seems hopeless, this is an important victory for
humanity, and a major blow to the proponents of fossil fuels.
Small island nations and the moral strength of hundreds of thousands of people have led the world to this point!
OF COURSE—AND YET!
Of course, a decision like this at the highest level does not solve the major global
problems. Everyone remains painfully aware of the many consequences of the climate crisis—not only ecological but just as much social. It is precisely those least “to blame” who are hit the hardest in so many ways.
But until now, the commitment to action has never been so clearly articulated at the highest level—and, of course, even more importantly, recognized and accepted by an overwhelming majority of nations.
Those who vote against it are becoming increasingly isolated, no matter how powerful they may be.
“World opinion” is clearly shifting in a positive direction. It is precisely the spiritual power of this shift that, in the long run, has the deepest impact. That is what instills confidence, and it is precisely that which also motivates and inspires us to persevere!
Unfortunately, many media outlets often emphasize the negative, because that’s what makes for sensational news. You have to make an effort to also see the positive developments, which are more of an undercurrent and almost always happen quietly. But those encouraging developments are very real—and in abundance! They don’t scream for attention or publicity, but focus—on a larger or smaller scale—primarily on quality, sustainability, and inclusivity.
In this way, they are and remain an invitation to those who may feel discouraged by “the big picture.” There’s every reason to persevere and get involved!
CREATIVE GAIA
That is the title of this blog.
GAIA, the fully alive Earth, creative, beautiful, courageous.
Nature never gives up, it never gets discouraged, it always remains creative and seeks new paths—and often performs astonishing miracles!
We humans can let ourselves be inspired and encouraged by nature’s great gifts. The courage of a group of students to take the initiative, the support of truly countless well-meaning and eager people, and the power of the conviction that it can be done—these are encouraging lessons for all of us!
Johan Muijtjens
July 2026
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For those who would like to read more about all this, I’m quoting from AVAAZ here.
* The presentation in Geneva:
AVAAZ gathered more than 467,000 (!) votes worldwide to support Vanuatu and its allies.
resolution.
It began with presenting 378,498 votes to diplomats in Geneva (see photo), and the additional support from another hundred thousand people around the world only reinforced that message.
Our senior Swiss campaigner brought our votes directly to a packed hall in Geneva, filled with diplomats accustomed to listening to dry speeches. Muriel gave a powerful, genuinely vulnerable speech about the world we’re leaving behind for her unborn child and our next generation. You could hear a pin drop—the energy in the room completely shifted.
* Making inroads in Brazil and other countries.
We needed to put pressure on swing states. In Brazil, we published targeted
polls showing that the resolution had strong public support.
When Brazil’s largest newspaper published our findings, the government discreetly contacted us to request the data.
We also conducted and published polls in the Netherlands and Germany.
* Vepaiamele’s message
Vepaiamele, a 17-year-old climate activist from Vanuatu, recorded a heartfelt plea from the beach of her home island. Her message resonated directly with key delegations.
She said afterward: “For a long time, I felt like the world was looking the other way while our homes, schools, and islands were sinking. Today, they finally saw us. This vote won’t suddenly stop sea-level rise, but it’s a recognition that our lives, our homes, and our future are worth saving.”
* The practical content of the resolution:
A lifeline for those on the front lines: The resolution states that island nations retain their sovereignty and their rights, even if their land physically sinks due to rising sea levels. For communities from the Pacific Ocean to the Amazon rainforest—who are already paying the highest price for a crisis they did not cause—this confirms that they cannot be wiped out.
Polluting countries are legally liable: this is a line in the sand. Governments have been warned: subsidies for more fossil fuels have legal consequences.
The major oil bloc is becoming isolated: with a vote of 141 to 8, the world’s biggest polluters—such as the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Russia—have been reduced to a small, desperate group of outsiders swimming against the tide.
A boost for climate litigation: the resolution gives new momentum to climate litigation worldwide. There are already more than 3,000 cases currently influencing climate policy around the world. And more will follow.
Finally, AVAAZ writes: This is proof that, in the midst of this global crisis, something beautiful is emerging. It shows that the future still belongs to us, even when the odds seem slim.
Thank you for refusing to give up.
Thank you for standing up for the Pacific Ocean.
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