United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark resolution reinforcing that tackling climate change is a legal obligation under international law, in a move Secretary-General António Guterres described as “a powerful affirmation” of international law, climate justice and science.

The resolution, introduced by Vanuatu and a group of other countries, was approved by the United Nations General Assembly after extensive negotiations and several proposed amendments. It passed with 141 votes in favour, 8 against and 28 abstentions. Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States and Yemen voted against the resolution.

The vote builds on a historic advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2025, which determined that States have a duty to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions and may face legal consequences if they fail to do so.

When the Court delivered its opinion, the UN chief described it as “a victory for our planet”.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) also concluded that governments which breach their climate obligations may be required to halt the harmful conduct, provide assurances that violations will not recur and make full reparations where appropriate.

Although advisory opinions from the Court are not legally binding, they carry significant legal and moral weight and help clarify the responsibilities of States under international law.

Following Wednesday’s vote, Secretary-General António Guterres declared that the resolution transforms climate action from a matter of political will into a legal responsibility. “The world’s highest court has spoken. Today, the General Assembly has answered,” he stated.

The resolution calls on all UN Member States to take every possible measure to prevent significant harm to the climate and environment, including reducing emissions generated within their territories.

It also urges countries to honour their commitments under the Paris Agreement and strengthen international cooperation to address climate change.

Governments are encouraged to ensure that climate policies protect fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health and an adequate standard of living.

In a statement released after the vote, the Secretary-General emphasised that communities least responsible for global warming are suffering its most severe consequences.

He stressed that the path to climate justice “runs through a rapid, just, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.”

Guterres further noted that renewable energy has become the cheapest and most secure source of power and maintained that limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels remains achievable.

The adoption of the resolution is widely viewed as a major milestone in global climate governance, strengthening the legal and moral foundation for countries to accelerate action against the climate crisis.

Pacific Welcomes UN Resolution Reinforcing States’ Climate Obligations

Moreover, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Dirk Wagener, has welcomed the adoption of a landmark General Assembly resolution affirming the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in relation to climate change.

The resolution adopted by an overwhelming majority of 141 Member States reflects a broad international support for the Court’s legal guidance and growing recognition of the role of international law in addressing the global climate crisis.

According to the United Nations, the General Assembly resolution marks a new phase in the global response to the Court’s findings, formally acknowledging the legal guidance and its implications for national climate action.

In a statement following the vote, Dirk Wagener highlighted the significance of the development for Pacific nations, which have long been among the most vulnerable to rising sea levels, stronger storms and other climate-related impacts.

“For the Pacific, this resolution carries a particular meaning. It reflects a journey that began with Pacific youth and governments, seeking legal clarity through multilateral institutions.”
Dirk Wagener

He added that, “the General Assembly’s adoption reaffirms the relevance of international law in addressing climate change and reinforces a global framework that Pacific countries have long engaged in through cooperation, equity and shared responsibility.”

The initiative that led to the ICJ opinion was launched by Pacific Island countries and young people seeking clarification on how existing international law applies to climate change. Their campaign resulted in the General Assembly unanimously requesting the Court’s opinion in March 2023.

Following written submissions and oral hearings from countries around the world, the Court clarified that States must act with due diligence, urgency and international cooperation to prevent significant harm to the climate system.

The United Nations described the resolution as carrying substantial political and moral authority, strengthening the global framework for climate action and underscoring the importance of good-faith cooperation.