UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the adoption of a General Assembly resolution that follows up on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced this on Thursday in New York, describing the resolution adopted on Wednesday as “a powerful affirmation of international law, climate justice, and science.”
The resolution urges all UN Member States to take every possible step to prevent significant harm to the climate and environment, including reducing emissions within their borders and honouring their Paris Agreement commitments. It also calls on governments to cooperate in good faith and ensure climate policies protect the rights to life, health, and an adequate standard of living.
“The world’s highest body has spoken,” Dujarric quoted the Secretary-General as saying. “This is a powerful affirmation of international law, climate justice, climate science, and the responsibility of states to protect people from the escalating climate crisis.”
Guterres commended the leadership of Pacific Island countries and other Small Island Developing States, along with young people, for their role in bringing the world to this moment.
He stressed that those least responsible for climate change are paying the highest price, and this injustice must end. The Secretary-General highlighted that fossil fuels are the primary driver of the climate crisis and called for a rapid, just, and equitable transition to renewable energy, which he described as the cheapest and most secure form of energy.
“The task ahead is clear: keep 1.5°C within reach and build a safer, fairer, and more resilient future for all,” he added.
The resolution, spearheaded by Vanuatu and other countries, was adopted with 141 votes in favour, eight against, and 28 abstentions. Countries that voted against included Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Yemen.
The ICJ’s July 2025 advisory opinion ruled that states have legal obligations to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions and can be held responsible for breaches. Although advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant moral and legal weight.
