United Nations Adopts Resolution Supporting International Courts Climate Ruling

UN General Assembly Votes to Support ICJ’s Climate Change Ruling

A resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday supports a landmark ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which found that states have a legal responsibility to act to prevent climate change. The resolution was passed with 141 votes in favor, eight against, and 28 abstentions.

The ICJ’s July 2023 ruling stated that states have a legal obligation to act on the “existential threat” of climate change. The case, which was the largest ever considered by the ICJ’s 15 judges, reviewed tens of thousands of pages of written submissions and heard two weeks of oral arguments before delivering its verdict.

The UNGA adopted the resolution in March 2023 at the request of Vanuatu, which championed the case. The resolution was supported by over two-thirds of UN member states, with many countries expressing their commitment to addressing climate change.

Some countries, including Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Yemen, voted against the resolution. However, others praised the vote as a significant step forward in recognizing the legal implications of climate change.

The ICJ’s ruling has been welcomed by many as a major victory for communities affected by climate change. The UN General Assembly’s decision to support the ruling confirms that states have a legal duty to act on climate change.

Source: Al Jazeera