Enviro News Asia, New York — The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark resolution backing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change, reinforcing that addressing the climate crisis is a legal obligation under international law rather than merely a political commitment.
The resolution, introduced by the Pacific island nation Vanuatu alongside several supporting countries, was adopted following extensive debate and multiple amendment proposals. A total of 141 countries voted in favor, while eight countries opposed the resolution and 28 abstained.
Countries voting against included Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, United States, and Yemen.
The resolution follows the July 2025 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which stated that countries have an obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions and prevent significant climate-related harm.
The Court also determined that states failing to meet these obligations could bear legal responsibility and may be required to halt harmful actions, guarantee non-repetition, and provide reparations depending on the circumstances.
Although ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry substantial legal and moral authority in shaping international law and clarifying the obligations of states.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the General Assembly decision, describing it as a strong signal that the global climate crisis demands collective legal responsibility. He emphasized that the world’s highest court had spoken clearly on the issue and that the General Assembly had now responded accordingly.
The adopted resolution calls on all UN Member States to take all possible measures to avoid causing significant environmental and climate damage, including reducing emissions generated within their territories. Governments are also urged to fulfill their existing commitments under the Paris Agreement.
In addition, the resolution encourages countries to cooperate in good faith and ensure climate policies protect fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health, and an adequate standard of living.
Guterres stated that communities least responsible for climate change continue to suffer the most severe impacts. He reiterated that achieving climate justice requires a rapid, fair, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy sources.
The UN chief also highlighted that renewable energy has become one of the most affordable and secure energy options globally, while maintaining that the international goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels remains achievable. (*)
