UN Chief Applauds ICJ Ruling on Climate Protection

On Thursday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed a landmark resolution that supports the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, which obligates states to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution, initiated by Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation significantly affected by climate change, was adopted following intense discussions and received 141 votes in favor, with eight against and 28 abstentions.

Countries voting against included Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Yemen. Guterres described the ICJ ruling as a breakthrough, emphasizing that it holds states legally responsible for environmental protection and mandates them to cease harmful practices.

He stated that the resolution is crucial for ensuring that climate policies safeguard the rights to life and health. The Secretary-General reiterated the importance of global cooperation to tackle climate change and maintain the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.