The International Court of Justice issued a landmark advisory opinion declaring that states have a legal obligation to prevent significant harm to the climate system and that failure to do so carries legal consequences. The initiative, led by Vanuatu and supported by a broad coalition of 132 countries, is now before the United Nations General Assembly in a new resolution designed to give practical effect to the court’s findings and reinforce states’ duties.

The proposed resolution calls on member states to uphold the obligations identified by the court and encourages follow-up action within the United Nations system to advance compliance. Supporters argue that reaffirming the authority of the court would strengthen multilateral cooperation at a time when global institutions face mounting pressure and some countries are retreating from collective agreements.

Vanuatu contends that failing to act would signal a shift from a rules-based international order to one driven by power and vested interests, particularly those tied to fossil fuels. Emphasizing the growing human and economic costs of climate change and energy volatility, the country urges all states to back the resolution and translate legal recognition into meaningful climate action.