UN Votes to Support Strong Action on Climate Change Despite US Opposition
The nonbinding resolution urges stronger climate action, fossil fuel subsidy cuts and reparations after the court said failing to protect the planet can violate international law.
- On Wednesday, the General Assembly voted 141-8 to endorse a landmark International Court advisory opinion declaring failures to protect the planet from climate change a violation of international law. The United States, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia opposed the nonbinding resolution.
- Vanuatu sponsored the measure following decades of frustration for Pacific nations watching their homelands disappear. The Trump administration reportedly pressured Vanuatu to withdraw the draft, fearing it could threaten domestic industry.
- The resolution urges countries to limit temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius and provide "full reparation" for damage. Tammy Bruce, the deputy U.S. ambassador, called it "highly problematic."
- Louis Charbonneau of Human Rights Watch said the vote "reaffirmed the global commitment to protect human rights." Secretary-General Ant stated the General Assembly has "answered" the call for climate action.
- By 2100, much of Tuvalu is projected to be underwater, as the nation with an average elevation of 2 meters sees a third of its population applying for migration visas to Australia.
86 Articles
86 Articles
UN votes to affirm responsibility to mitigate climate change, while US votes against
The United Nations voted to affirm that countries have a responsibility to protect people from climate change, while the U.S. was one of a handful of member states to vote against it.
UN countries agree on legal obligation to address climate change
The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday voted 141–8 to adopt a resolution backing a world court opinion that countries have a legal obligation to address climate change, with the world's biggest historical emitter the United States among those opposing it.
UN endorses climate ruling despite US opposition
What happenedThe United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday voted 141-8, with 28 abstentions, to endorse a 2025 International Court of Justice opinion that countries are legally obligated to take steps to fight climate change. That opinion, while “not legally binding,” is “expected to be cited in climate-related legal cases worldwide,” Reuters said. Who said what“The world’s highest court has spoken,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres …
UN climate vote strengthens calls for rich nations to pay for damage
Nearly a year after the International Court of Justice declared that states have legal obligations to combat climate change, the United Nations General Assembly has thrown its political weight behind the opinion – reinforcing a growing push to turn climate promises into legal accountability.
Russia Joins U.S. and Iran in Voting Against UN Climate Change Resolution
Russia on Wednesday voted with other major energy exporters and greenhouse gas emitters against a UN General Assembly resolution that requires governments to take stronger action on climate change.
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