An overwhelming majority of United Nations members voted on Wednesday to endorse a landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on climate change responsibilities. The resolution signals broad political support for holding countries accountable for failing to address global warming. More than 140 nations backed the measure while eight voted against it.
The vote came after a campaign that began six years ago when law students at the University of the South Pacific urged the government of Vanuatu to seek the court’s guidance. In 2025 the ICJ ruled unanimously that nations have a legal duty to protect the planet and that harmed countries may seek reparations for climate damage. The nonbinding opinion described inaction as a wrongful act.
