BEIRUT /PNN /
Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa welcomed a United Nations General Assembly vote backing a landmark advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice on countries’ legal obligations to address climate change, calling it a step forward for climate accountability.
The General Assembly adopted the resolution by an overwhelming majority, with 141 votes in favor, eight against and 28 abstentions. The measure, led by Vanuatu and a group of countries, seeks to advance implementation of the ICJ’s advisory opinion on climate change and state responsibility issued in July 2025.
The resolution reaffirms the court’s findings and calls on governments to align national policies with their legal obligations to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It urges countries to implement deep and sustained emissions cuts, regulate fossil fuel industries and protect the right to a healthy environment.
Ghiwa Nakat, executive director of Greenpeace MENA, described the vote as a turning point in how climate action is framed globally.
“Climate inaction is no longer just an environmental or political failure; it is increasingly becoming a matter of accountability under international law,” she said.
Nakat added that the decision carries particular significance for the Middle East and North Africa, where communities are facing intensifying heatwaves, water shortages and environmental degradation.
“Governments must stop expanding fossil fuels and accelerate a rapid and just transition toward renewable energy systems,” she said, adding that stronger measures are needed to ensure major polluters pay for climate damage and that wealthy countries meet their climate finance commitments.
The resolution also requests that the U.N. secretary-general submit a report in 2027 outlining progress on implementing the court’s findings, a move seen as maintaining international pressure on governments to meet their obligations.
Environmental advocates say the decision marks a milestone in linking climate action to international legal accountability, particularly for vulnerable communities most affected by climate change.
