In a watershed moment for the global climate movement, the International Court of Justice has ruled that nations must protect people from the harms wrought by climate change – or face legal consequences.

The case was instigated by law students from Vanuatu, and while the decision is not legally binding, it will likely influence climate litigation around the world.

As Wesley Morgan and Gillian Moon write, it means all nations – including Australia, which sided with high emitters such as the United States, China and Saudi Arabia during the case – must set emission-reduction targets that are consistent with the best available science.

Laggard nations that don’t act to reduce emissions could be sued by other countries – or even by their own citizens – for failing to help ensure a safe climate, as Jacqueline Peel explains.

Against this backdrop, it’s all the more dispiriting to see Canberra politicians still bickering about net zero. Michelle Grattan says the Nationals’ freshly sown doubts over the 2050 climate targets is turning into a diabolical situation for the Coalition.

Nicole Hasham

Energy + Environment Editor

World’s highest court issues groundbreaking ruling for climate action. Here’s what it means for Australia

Wesley Morgan, UNSW Sydney; Gillian Moon, UNSW Sydney

The landmark ruling means Australia must reduce emissions in line with the best science, and regulate the fossil fuel industry to prevent further harm.

Historic ruling finds climate change ‘imperils all forms of life’ and puts laggard nations on notice

Jacqueline Peel, The University of Melbourne

Countries have wide-ranging obligations to adequately tackle climate change, the International Court of Justice has found. Those who don’t could be legally liable.

Grattan on Friday: net zero battle has net zero positives for Sussan Ley

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

The Nationals antics on climate targets put the new Coalition leader in a diabolical situation. Ley should act now to lessen the inevitable political damage.

Australia says US beef will soon be welcome here again. It’s unlikely we’ll buy much of it

Felicity Deane, Queensland University of Technology

Has Australia’s beef industry been sold out for the benefit of a trade deal with the United States? Or is this just a poorly timed announcement?

Reserve Bank says unemployment rise was not a shock, inflation on track

John Hawkins, University of Canberra

Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock needs to keep the bank’s focus on unemployment as well as inflation.

Business coalition calls for 25% cut in the cost of red tape by 2030

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

Business, universities, and investors have jointly urged the federal government to commit to cutting the cost of red tape by 25% by 2030.

Miles Franklin 2025: Siang Lu’s Ghost Cities is a haunting comedy about tyranny. Is it the funniest winner ever?

Joseph Steinberg, The University of Western Australia

Siang Lu has won the Miles Franklin Literary Award for his absurdist, ‘strikingly new’ novel about dictators in parallel cities – which dials the satire up to 11.

3 reasons young people are more likely to believe conspiracy theories – and how we can help them discover the truth

Jean-Nicolas Bordeleau, Flinders University

New research reveals people aged under 35 are more likely to believe conspiracy theories due to political alienation and low self-esteem.

Waiting too long for public dental care? Here’s why the system is struggling – and how to fix it

Santosh Tadakamadla, La Trobe University; Tan Nguyen, Deakin University

Some people are waiting for up to three years for public dental care.

Ultrafast fashion brand Princess Polly has been certified as ‘sustainable’. Is that an oxymoron?

Harriette Richards, RMIT University; Jon Hewitt, RMIT University

B Corp certification is given to businesses who score well for social impact and environmental benefit. But ultrafast fashion is inherently unsustainable.

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Books + Ideas

The gender gap debate often misses the mark
"The obsession with earnings as the measure of success ignores what many of us actually value: time with our children. Yes, I’ve taken a pay cut to reduce my hours—and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. It brings me more joy and meaning than anything in the office. I’ve deliberately chosen roles that allow part-time work. Kids grow up fast. The push to get women back into full-time work—as if that's the pinnacle of progress—risks creating a generation of mothers with deep regrets. No one lies on their deathbed wishing they spent more time at their desk. Of course, support women who want to work more. But don’t assume that’s all of us. I’d like to see a report that actually asks women what they want—not just what the economy wants from them."
Sarah E

Taliban beliefs
"I read with interest Yvonne Breitwieser-Faria's excellent article about the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against the Taliban on charges of gender persecution. In the article, the Taliban was quoted as saying the allegations and warrants were a 'clear act of hostility [and an] insult to the beliefs of Muslims around the world'. It should be noted that the vast majority of Muslims do not share the Taliban's views. Respected Muslim scholars and activists across different countries have explicitly condemned the Taliban’s denial of education for women, reaffirming that Islam advocates the pursuit of knowledge for all, irrespective of gender."
Jonathon Piasente

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