This week, the International Court of Justice began hearing oral arguments in a high-profile case brought by the island nation of Vanuatu on what obligations United Nations member states have under international law to protect the planet from greenhouse gas emissions for future generations.

The United Nations' top court will open hearings on Monday into what countries worldwide are legally required to do to combat climate change.View on euronews

A landmark climate change case opened at the top UN court in the Hague on Monday as several small island nations fearing rising sea waters told the court how they believe climate change endangers their survival.