The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution by a 141-8 vote, with 28 countries abstaining, endorsing an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice that states have a legal obligation to confront climate change.
The resolution, submitted by the Pacific island nation Vanuatu, affirms a July 2025 ICJ advisory opinion asserting that governments are obligated to reduce fossil fuel use and tackle global warming. While the advisory opinion does not carry binding legal force, the resolution notes that it is expected to be cited in climate-related legal cases around the world.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the vote in a post on X, saying the result “underscored that governments are responsible for protecting citizens from the 'escalating climate crisis.'” He added: "I welcome the adoption of the General Assembly resolution on the ICJ’s advisory opinion on climate change - a powerful affirmation of international law, climate justice, science & the responsibility of states to protect people from the escalating climate crisis."
Eight countries voted against the resolution. The United States was among them, together with Saudi Arabia, Russia, Israel, Iran, Yemen, Liberia and Belarus. In addition, 28 member states abstained; among those recorded as abstaining were COP31 host Turkey, India, and oil-producing states Qatar and Nigeria.
The United States' opposition was explained by diplomat remarks at the UN. U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce said the text contained "inappropriate political demands relating to fossil fuels," and that Washington saw no basis for requiring the secretary-general to report on the legal issues the resolution raises.
Advocates of the ICJ advisory opinion welcomed the General Assembly action as a step toward implementation. Vishal Prasad, director of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, which led the campaign seeking the court opinion, described the vote as a commitment to "making it a reality."
Although advisory opinions by the ICJ are not legally binding, the General Assembly resolution formally backing the July 2025 opinion is likely to be referenced in future legal actions that address state responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use. The resolution signals broad international political support, even as a small group of countries registered their opposition and several others abstained.
Context provided in the resolution and responses
- The resolution was brought forward by Vanuatu and affirms the ICJ's July 2025 advisory opinion that states must take measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption and address global warming.
- Supporters say the General Assembly vote reinforces international law, climate justice, and scientific responsibility; opponents argue the text includes improper political demands related to fossil fuels.
- The advisory opinion is not binding but is expected to be cited in climate litigation around the world.
The vote reflects a clear majority of UN member states endorsing the court's interpretation of state obligations on climate, while underscoring divisions among governments about the political and legal steps appropriate for addressing fossil fuel production and emissions.