# UN Climate Resolution Backed by ICJ > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/un-general-assembly-adopts-climate-resolution-backing-icj-ruling-amid-opposition-from-major-emitters > Updated: 2026-06-17T08:42:23.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 10. In May 2026 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution endorsing the International Court of Justice’s July 2025 advisory opinion that states have legal duties to curb greenhouse‑gas emissions and protect the climate system. The text was introduced by Vanuatu and co‑sponsored or supported by a coalition of Pacific island nations and other developing states. The vote was consistently 141 in favour, eight against and 28 abstentions across all snapshots. Opposing countries included the United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Yemen, Belarus and others; abstentions featured India, Turkey, India, and several others. Support came from China, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and a broad spectrum of small‑island and developing states. Subsequent commentary highlighted the resolution’s calls for deep emissions cuts, phase‑out of fossil‑fuel subsidies, regulation of fossil‑fuel firms, and the creation of mechanisms to record loss and damage. Later entries noted the resolution’s operationalisation, linking climate duties to human‑rights obligations and foreseeing a 2027 Secretary‑General report on compliance. Throughout, the initiative was framed as a legal affirmation of climate justice and a tool for future litigation and international negotiations. ## Timeline ### 2026-06-17: UN General Assembly adopts resolution to operationalize ICJ climate duty ruling UN General Assembly voted 141‑8‑28 to operationalize an ICJ advisory opinion that makes climate action a legal duty for states, a move praised by the UN chief and criticized for its impact on sovereignty. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-general-assembly-adopts-resolution-to-operationalize-icj-climate-duty-ruling ### 2026-05-27: UN General Assembly passes landmark climate accountability resolution The UN General Assembly adopted a 141‑8 resolution backing the ICJ’s ruling that states must legally reduce emissions, a move driven by Vanuatu and welcomed by vulnerable islands like Mauritius. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-general-assembly-passes-landmark-climate-accountability-resolution ### 2026-05-24: UN General Assembly adopts landmark resolution on states' climate obligations UNGA voted 141‑8‑28 to endorse the ICJ advisory opinion on state climate duties, urging deep emissions cuts and a 2027 compliance report; Vanuatu led, Australia voted for, IUCN praised the move. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-general-assembly-adopts-landmark-resolution-on-states-climate-obligations ### 2026-05-22: UN General Assembly backs ICJ climate‑responsibility ruling UNGA adopted a resolution backing the ICJ’s climate‑responsibility advisory opinion after the court’s July 2022 ruling, with CARE urging finance and action for vulnerable Pacific communities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-general-assembly-backs-icj-climateresponsibility-ruling ### 2026-05-21: UN General Assembly adopts resolution on state climate obligations after Vanuatu initiative The UNGA adopted a resolution on 20 May 2026 recognizing state climate duties, following Vanuatu’s push and the ICJ advisory opinion, with 141 votes for and eight against. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-general-assembly-adopts-resolution-on-state-climate-obligations-after-vanuatu-initiative ### 2026-05-21: India Abstains from UNGA Vote on ICJ Climate Advisory Opinion India abstained from a UNGA resolution on the ICJ climate opinion, citing concerns it undermines UNFCCC processes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-abstains-from-unga-vote-on-icj-climate-advisory-opinion ### 2026-05-21: UN General Assembly Endorses ICJ Climate Obligations, New Zealand Votes in Favor UNGA adopts resolution endorsing ICJ advisory opinion on state climate duties; New Zealand votes for it, experts urge action. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-general-assembly-endorses-icj-climate-obligations-new-zealand-votes-in-favor ### 2026-05-21: Australia backs UN climate resolution urging fossil‑fuel regulation Australia voted for a UN climate resolution urging state responsibility and fossil‑fuel regulation, while major emitters opposed. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-backs-un-climate-resolution-urging-fossilfuel-regulation ### 2026-05-20: UN General Assembly adopts climate‑obligation resolution, US votes against The UN General Assembly voted 141‑8 to endorse an ICJ opinion obligating states to cut emissions, with the US and a few allies voting against. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-general-assembly-adopts-climateobligation-resolution-us-votes-against ### 2026-05-20: UN General Assembly adopts resolution backing ICJ climate ruling The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ’s climate opinion, with 141‑8 support, urging legal climate duties, while the US and other major emitters voted against it. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-general-assembly-adopts-resolution-to-strengthen-climate-obligations --- Cite as: UN Climate Resolution Backed by ICJ. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/un-general-assembly-adopts-climate-resolution-backing-icj-ruling-amid-opposition-from-major-emitters