The island nation of Vanuatu criticized representatives for major emitters like the U.S. and China for their remarks during International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings that will determine states’ international obligations to address climate change.

Vanuatu on Monday urged the top United Nations court to recognise the harm caused by climate change in its judgment on the legal obligation of countries to fight it and address the consequences of them contributing to global warming.

The United Nations' top court will consider if the world’s largest carbon-emitting nations should pay reparations to smaller, climate-vulnerable ones.

Representatives for the island nation of Vanuatu called on the International Court of Justice this week to recognize the harm caused by climate change, the first remarks the United Nations court heard as it considers international obligations to address climate impacts.

The case seeks an advisory opinion from the court on the legal responsibilities of countries in relation to climate change, and dozens of countries are making oral submissions. Hearings started in The Hague with Vanuatu — the Pacific island nation that initiated the effort to obtain a legal opinion — yesterday.

While an advisory opinion from the World Court would not be legally binding, experts say the court's opinion on climate change could be cited in climate change lawsuits around the world.

By Stephanie van den Berg THE HAGUE - The United Nations' top court on Monday starts hearings on the legal obligation of countries to fight climate change and the consequences for states of contributing to global warming,

The International Court of Justice began its first hearings on Monday to clarify what countries are legally required to do to combat climate change. Over two weeks, Vanuatu and other low-lying at-risk islands in the Pacific Ocean will spearhead the hearing.