The Secretary-General said it makes clear the responsibility of Member States to protect their own people from what is a “growing climate crisis”.
The resolution drafted by Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation on the front lines of the climate crisis, and several other countries, was adopted after an intense discussion that included multiple proposed amendments with 141 votes in favor, eight against and 28 abstentions.
Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States and Yemen voted against.
When the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s main judicial body, ruled in July 2025 that states have an obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the decision was hailed as a breakthrough. The UN chief described it simply as “a victory for our planet”.
‘Legal duty’
The Court also ruled that if States fail to comply with these obligations, they are legally responsible and You may be legally required to stop the unlawful conduct, provide assurances that it will not happen again, and make full redress, depending on the circumstances..
Although the advisory opinions of the ICJ are non bindingThey carry important legal and moral authority, as they help clarify and develop international law by defining the legal obligations of States.
Wednesday’s adoption by the General Assembly following the ruling sends a strong message that addressing the climate crisis is a legal duty under international law, and not just a political choice. “The highest court in the world has spoken,” Guterres responded. “Today the General Assembly has responded.”
What’s in the resolution?
The resolution calls on all UN Member States to take all possible measures to avoid causing significant damage to the climate and the environment, including emissions produced within their borders, and to comply with their existing climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Governments are urged to cooperate in good faith and continually coordinate efforts to address climate change globally and ensure that climate policies safeguard the rights to life, health and an adequate standard of living.
In a statement released after the General Assembly vote, Guterres stated that those least responsible for climate change are paying the highest price and that The path to climate justice “goes through a rapid, fair and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.”
The UN Secretary-General noted that renewable energy has proven to be the cheapest and safest form of energy and that the goal of keeping global temperature rise to no more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels is still within reach.
- The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution “Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States with respect to climate change”
- The resolution, prepared by Vanuatu and several other countries, was adopted with 141 votes in favor, 8 against and 28 abstentions.