The United Nations General Assembly adopted a nonbinding resolution on Wednesday reinforcing countries’ obligations to combat climate change. The measure endorses a landmark advisory opinion issued last July by the International Court of Justice.
The court's advisory opinion called failure by countries to protect the planet from climate change a violation of international law, describing climate change as an existential threat. The opinion is expected to be cited in climate-related legal cases worldwide and raises the prospect of reparations for failing to meet climate commitments.
Approximately 141 UN member states voted in support of the resolution, though the final text was weakened under pressure from major greenhouse gas emitters. The United States, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, who are among the world's highest oil producers and major emitters, opposed the measure.