Climate justice receives a significant breakthrough this week, joined by additional noteworthy events.

In a series of significant developments, various countries and international organisations are taking strides towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Here's a summary of recent news:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has published a landmark legal decision, stating that governments could be in breach of international law if they fail to curb emissions, approve new fossil fuel projects, and roll out public money for oil and gas. This ruling, while non-binding, is expected to have major consequences for climate justice.

Meanwhile, in the Mediterranean Sea, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has created two marine reserves, with a goal to protect 30% of the country's waters by 2030. This move follows a promise to preserve the region's biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism.

In the realm of renewable energy, a study showed that renewables accounted for an impressive 92.5% of all new electricity capacity in 2024. This shift towards clean energy has been hailed as "smart economics" by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasised the plummeting cost of renewables.

The city of Paris has been ranked as the world's best city to cycle in by People For Bikes, thanks to its extensive network of bike lanes. This recognition underscores the city's commitment to promoting sustainable transport and reducing carbon emissions.

In the United States, Aspen trees in Yellowstone National Park have recovered following the reintroduction of large carnivores, including wolves. This recovery process, which had been shut down for decades, signals a positive step towards ecosystem restoration.

Elsewhere, the crane, a bird that was absent from Scotland for around 500 years, is staging a comeback due to ongoing efforts to restore wetland habitats. This reappearance is a testament to the power of conservation efforts and the resilience of nature.

In Canada, new rules coming into effect in the province of Ontario in 2026 will prevent firms from 'ghosting' candidates they have interviewed for a job. Under these rules, firms will also be obliged to notify candidates about the status of their application within 45 days and outline salary details in adverts.

Finally, the Woodland Trust's tree of the year competition has shortlisted several notable trees, including one climbed by The Beatles and another featured in Virginia Woolf's literature. This competition highlights the importance of preserving our natural heritage and encourages public engagement in conservation efforts.

A major health study, published in The Lancet, suggests that walking 7,000 steps a day is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, and cancer. This finding challenges the common belief of 10,000 steps as a daily target, which was originally a marketing gimmick by a Japanese firm.

Lea Main-Klingst, a lawyer at Client Earth, said the ICJ's ruling will equip judges with definitive guidance that will likely shape climate cases for decades to come. The Center for International Environmental Law also stated that the ruling sets a new global standard for urgent action and accountability on climate justice.

These developments underscore the global commitment to addressing climate change, promoting sustainable practices, and preserving our natural world for future generations.

Climate justice receives a significant breakthrough this week, joined by additional noteworthy events.