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World court: states have climate obligations under international law

Countries impacted most by the effects of climate change can claim compensation from other countries responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice. “This advisory opinion is in line with what has been a secular trend in climate litigation towards higher levels of state and corporate accountability,”  Dr Thom Wetzer told Pinsent Masons. “In this opinion, the International Court of Justice confirmed that 1.5C is the legally binding temperature target under the Paris Agreement and international law. This calls for urgent action, and the court explicitly noted that states are also responsible for the actions of the private sector. As a result, we should expect renewed legal pressure on states to regulate corporate activities that contribute to climate change. Recognising that trend and the implications for business models is a key part of prudent risk management.”

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Too Little, Too Late? Why India Must Fast-Track Its Net Zero Pledge

Outlook Planet warns that India's unambitious climate goals could see the country fall behind in the global clean energy race. Dr Sugandha Srivastav commented: "We give coal-fired power plants generous long-term contracts that insulate them from competition created by cheaper solar. We have an institutional structure that is at the moment focused on supporting incumbent polluting technology."

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6 ways a heatwave can seriously impact your mental health

Women's Health explores the serious health implications of heatwaves with Dr Laurence Wainwright. 'The evidence is clear that key areas of the brain – especially those responsible for solving complex cognitive tasks, such as problem-solving, reasoning and maintaining attention – are impaired by heat stress, which occurs when the body's temperature is elevated beyond its normal resting temperature of around 37c,' says Dr Wainwright.

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Zonal pricing is dead – here’s how the UK should change its electricity system instead

The UK Government recently decided against zonal pricing for electricity, which would have adjusted prices based on local generation and demand, but may have also caused “an immediate increase in the energy bills." In The Conversation UK, Anupama Sen and Sam Fankhauser and Cassandra Etter-Wenzel call instead for investment in energy storage solutions, such as batteries, which could reduce reliance on gas and lower wholesale prices by storing surplus renewable energy.