UN General Assembly Overwhelmingly Passes Climate Resolution; US, Russia Among 8 Opposed

(CNA, Washington, 20th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) The United Nations General Assembly today passed a resolution by a vote of 141 to 8, supporting an opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legal obligations of nations to address climate change. The United States, the world's largest historical carbon emitter, was among those opposing the resolution. According to Reuters, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that 28 countries abstained from the vote, which he said highlights the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens from the 'deepening climate crisis.' 'I welcome the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution supporting an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice,' he posted on the social media platform X. 'This resolution strongly affirms international law, climate justice, science, and the responsibility of states to protect their people from the deepening climate crisis.' The resolution, proposed by the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, confirms an advisory opinion issued by the ICJ in July 2025, which states that countries have an obligation to reduce the use of fossil fuels and address global warming. Although the advisory opinion is not legally binding, it is expected to be cited in climate-related litigation cases around the world. The United States voted against the resolution along with Saudi Arabia, Russia, Israel, Iran, Yemen, Liberia, and Belarus. Meanwhile, Turkey, the host of the upcoming COP31, India, and oil-producing nations Qatar and Nigeria all chose to abstain. The Trump administration had withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord and other major environmental agreements and promoted policies to increase fossil fuel production. U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce stated, 'This resolution contains inappropriate political calls concerning fossil fuels.' She added that Washington sees no reason to request the Secretary-General to submit a report on the legal issues raised by this case. (Compiled by: Chen Yu-Ting)