UN General Assembly Endorses Landmark ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Obligations
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution endorsing an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on the legal obligations of states regarding climate change. The resolution was passed with 141 votes in favor, 8 against, and 28 abstentions.
Vote Breakdown
The countries that voted against the resolution were:
Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Yemen.
Resolution Provisions
The resolution calls on all UN Member States to take all possible steps to avoid causing significant damage to the climate and environment, including from emissions produced within their borders.
It urges governments to cooperate in good faith and coordinate efforts to tackle climate change globally. The resolution also notes that polluting nations may be required to make full reparation.
Background
The ICJ ruled in July 2025 that states have an obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions. The Court stated that if states breach these obligations, they are legally responsible and may be required to:
- Stop the wrongful conduct
- Offer guarantees
- Make full reparation
ICJ advisory opinions are not binding but carry legal and moral authority.
The resolution was drafted by Vanuatu and several other countries.
Official Statements
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the ICJ ruling as "a victory for our planet." He stated that the General Assembly's adoption "sends a strong message that tackling the climate crisis is a legal duty under international law, and not just a political choice."
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's Minister of Climate Change, described the resolution as "deeply significant" and a "victory for multilateralism, for the rule of law, and for communities on the front lines of the climate crisis."
US UN representative Tammy Bruce stated that the resolution included "inappropriate political demands relating to fossil fuels."
Australia's Position
Australia voted in favor of the resolution.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said Australia was "pleased to have worked closely and constructively with Pacific countries."
James Larsen, Australia's UN representative, noted differing views among states on the implications of the ICJ ruling and said Australia was "carefully considering the Court's opinion."
Reactions
Climate Council Fellow Wesley Morgan called the vote a "massive victory for Vanuatu and the Pacific leaders" but urged Australia to phase out approvals for new coal and gas projects.
Vishal Prasad from the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change expressed disappointment that Australia did not co-sponsor the original motion, unlike other Pacific nations.
The resolution sends a strong message that tackling the climate crisis is a legal duty under international law, and not just a political choice.
— UN Secretary-General António Guterres