Guest Lecture on Citizens’ Legal Action in Environmental Policy
The World Maritime University (WMU)–Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) hosted a distinguished guest lecture on 6 November featuring Mr Måns Jacobsson, former Director and Chief Executive Officer of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds. The lecture, titled “Possibilities for Citizens to Bring Court Action Against States in Matters of Environmental Policy,” took place in the WMU-Sasakawa Auditorium gathering students, researchers, alumni, and staff, and was also streamed online.
In opening remarks, Professor Ronán Long, Director of the GOI, acknowledged Mr Jacobsson’s long-standing relationship with WMU and his exceptional career in international law. Professor Long highlighted the guest speaker’s extensive experience, from his work as an academic lecturer and judge at the Stockholm Court of Appeal to his contributions as a visiting fellow at the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), as well as his influential writing across several decades. It is of note that Mr Jacobsson has served as a visiting lecturer since WMU was founded in 1983 and also completed a tenure as a member of the WMU Board of Governors.
In his lecture, Mr Jacobsson examined the growing trend of citizens and civil society bringing climate and environmental cases before national and international courts to hold states accountable for insufficient action to combat human-induced climate change. He explained how litigation has expanded beyond traditional claims for compensation into cases grounded in human rights law, climate agreements, constitutional protections and even civil law. He referred to the landmark ruling of the European Court of Human Rights against Switzerland for failing to meet its climate targets, noting how the decision has sparked debate about whether courts — rather than elected governments — should decide environmental policy. He also highlighted the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on climate change, describing it as a milestone in recognising states’ legal obligations.
Drawing on examples from countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Mr Jacobsson illustrated how domestic courts are increasingly requiring governments to amend legislation, halt projects, or justify climate strategies. He noted that such cases often face scientific and legal challenges, especially in proving causality between state inaction and specific environmental harm. He finally reflected on the growing tension between judicial intervention and political decision-making, a question that will continue to shape the future of climate and environmental governance.
The session concluded with a brief Q&A in which students and participants raised questions about the influence of individuals on climate action, the balance of power between parliaments and courts, and the ability of civil society to drive change. Mr Jacobsson noted that while individual impact is limited, action is still possible and meaningful, and stressed that civil society plays an essential role in pressuring governments, especially in court proceedings.
The event contributed to the WMU–GOI’s ongoing efforts to advance dialogue on global ocean governance, climate justice, and the future of international environmental law.
