WYCJ participates in 31st Annual international Conference of the Global Ecological Integrity Group
The 31st Annual International Conference of the Global Ecological Integrity Group (GEIG) took place on June 27 to July 1, 2023 in Potsdam, Germany.
Nicole Ponce, member of the global steering committee of World’s Youth for Climate Justice, participated in the conference and gave a presentation on the topic, “The Climate Crisis and the Tragedy of the Global Commons: Can the International Court of Justice climate case resolve this?” alongside Mr. Alyn Ware, International Representative, Aotearoa Lawyers for Peace and Co-Chair, World Future Council Working Group for the UN Summit of the Future.
The conference provided a great opportunity to present a brief update on the ICJ climate case to the participants–including renowned jurists, environmental advocates, and climate scientists - who offered their insights and expertise on the relevance of such legal instrument in resolving the tragedy of the global commons.
There is an increasing awareness of the importance of implementing global policies that promote sustainable economic structures and processes. This is necessary to minimize the negative effects of climate change on human well-being and prevent the depletion of shared resources known as the "tragedy of the global commons."
“It is not surprising that the global community has recognized climate change as a “common concern of humankind”, a concept encompassing the need to weigh interests beyond bilateral relations and instead relate them to the global concerns of humanity.”
Similarly, this concept focuses on the equitable sharing of burdens and responsibilities – in environmental protection – by all.
