The UN General Assembly voted 141-8 on Wednesday to adopt a resolution endorsing the International Court of Justice’s July 2025 advisory opinion that countries have a legal obligation to address climate change.
The resolution, introduced by the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, affirms the ICJ’s finding that states must reduce fossil fuel use and cooperate to meet emissions targets. It also states that failure to meet climate obligations could open countries to legal action from other states affected by climate change.
While advisory opinions of the ICJ are not legally binding, the court said national climate plans must aim for the highest ambition to keep global warming below 1.5°C. Legal experts say the opinion is likely to be cited in climate-related litigation worldwide.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the outcome, calling it a powerful affirmation of international law, climate justice, science and the responsibility of states to protect people from the escalating climate crisis.
The United States voted against the resolution alongside Saudi Arabia, Russia, Israel, Iran, Yemen, Liberia, and Belarus. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce said the text contained inappropriate political demands relating to fossil fuels and that Washington saw no basis for requiring the UN secretary-general to report on the legal issues raised.
The Trump administration has withdrawn the United States from the Paris Agreement and advanced policies to expand fossil fuel production.
Twenty-eight countries abstained, including COP31 host Turkey, India, Qatar, and Nigeria.
Vishal Prasad, director of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, which campaigned for the ICJ opinion, described the vote as a commitment to making it a reality.
UN human rights experts also welcomed the ruling, saying it clarifies that states have reinforced due diligence duties to prevent climate harm and to regulate fossil fuel production, subsidies, and licensing.
The ICJ issued the advisory opinion in July 2025 following a General Assembly request led by Vanuatu and Pacific youth activists. The court stated that the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is essential for the enjoyment of other human rights.
The vote underscores growing pressure on major emitters to align national policies with international climate commitments ahead of COP31 later this year.
