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 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.