UN General Assembly adopts resolution to operationalize ICJ climate duty ruling

The United Nations General Assembly voted to give binding force to an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice that declares governments have a legal obligation to combat climate change. The resolution passed with 141 votes in favour, eight against and 28 abstentions. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres described the move as “a powerful affirmation of international law, climate justice, science and the responsibility of states to protect people from the escalating climate crisis.”

Critics argue that the measure extends beyond environmental policy, asserting it challenges national sovereignty by obligating states to limit carbon‑dioxide emissions and affecting energy, immigration and other policy areas. The United States, represented by the Trump administration at the time, was among the opponents of the resolution.