UN Votes to Support Strong Action on Climate Change Despite US Efforts to Thwart the Effort
The nonbinding resolution urges stronger climate action, fossil fuel subsidy cuts and reparations after the court said failing to protect the planet can violate international law.
- On Wednesday, the General Assembly voted 141-8 to endorse a landmark International Court advisory opinion declaring failures to protect the planet from climate change a violation of international law. The United States, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia opposed the nonbinding resolution.
- Vanuatu sponsored the measure following decades of frustration for Pacific nations watching their homelands disappear. The Trump administration reportedly pressured Vanuatu to withdraw the draft, fearing it could threaten domestic industry.
- The resolution urges countries to limit temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius and provide "full reparation" for damage. Tammy Bruce, the deputy U.S. ambassador, called it "highly problematic."
- Louis Charbonneau of Human Rights Watch said the vote "reaffirmed the global commitment to protect human rights." Secretary-General Ant stated the General Assembly has "answered" the call for climate action.
- By 2100, much of Tuvalu is projected to be underwater, as the nation with an average elevation of 2 meters sees a third of its population applying for migration visas to Australia.
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61 Articles
Kenya: 141 Countries Including Kenya Back UN Resolution On Climate Obligations As U.S., Russia Oppose
Nairobi -- The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark resolution welcoming the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on States' legal obligations regarding climate change, with 141 countries -- including Kenya -- voting in favour.
141 countries, including Philippines, back world court climate opinion
WASHINGTON - The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday voted 141-8 to adopt a resolution backing a world court opinion that countries have a legal obligation to address climate change, with the world's biggest historical emitter the United States among those opposing it.
UN backs world court climate opinion; US among few to oppose
WASHINGTON, DC, USA – The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, May 20, voted 141-8 to adopt a resolution backing a world court opinion that countries have a legal obligation to address climate change, with the world’s biggest historical emitter, the United States, among those opposing it. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the vote, in which 28 countries abstained, underscored that governments are responsible for protecting citi…
The UN General Assembly passed a groundbreaking climate resolution. The US voted against. Basis is an expert report initiated by the island state of Vanuatu.
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