Lobbies laud UN endorsement of ICJ advisory on greenhouse emissions

CIFOR-ICRAF Chief Operations Officer Philip Osano makes remarks during African states' sensitisation conference on ICJ advisory opinion on climate change.

The UN General Assembly has endorsed a landmark advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), reinforcing the view that countries have legal obligations to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions.

The resolution, adopted on Wednesday, has been welcomed by civil society groups as a major step forward in global climate accountability.

In its July 2025 opinion, the ICJ ruled that urgent, fair and ambitious climate action is not optional but a legal duty for all states. The court said countries that fail to meet these obligations may be held responsible and required to stop harmful actions, prevent recurrence and provide compensation where necessary.

Although ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry strong moral and legal weight in shaping international law.

The UN resolution was passed with 141 votes in favour, eight against and 28 abstentions. Those opposing included Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States and Yemen.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the decision as a “powerful affirmation” of international law and climate justice, calling it “a victory for our planet.”

Civil society organisations and climate advocates also hailed the move.

Vishal Prasad of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change said the decision brings long-awaited recognition to frontline communities already suffering climate impacts.

Rebecca Brown of the Center for International Environmental Law said the resolution confirms that climate action is a legal obligation and strengthens global accountability efforts.

Amnesty International’s Camile Cortez said the vote reinforces states’ human rights duties in addressing climate change, which she described as a growing global crisis.

Climate activists also urged governments to turn the resolution into concrete action, including phasing out fossil fuels and increasing climate finance from wealthy nations and major polluters.

They warned that without real implementation, the legal milestone risks remaining symbolic despite its historic significance.