UN votes to accept ICJ advisory on climate change

The United Nations General Assembly has voted to pass a resolution to accept a landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on climate change.

The opinion examines what obligations countries have under international law to protect the citizens from the impacts of climate change.

While advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry legal and political weight, and could influence future climate policy, court cases, and international negotiations.

Vice President of the Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions in Washington DC, Kaveh Guilanpour says the resolution being passed will bring the advisory to the forefront of global awareness and elevate its status.

“With the energy crisis … the Pacific, as always, is disproportionately impacted being at the end of the supply chain,” he said. “All around the world we’re seeing now why it’s so essential to accelerate this transition away from fossil fuels as rapidly as possible, not just for the climate but for energy security reasons.”

Soon after this interview, United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution to accept the ICJ advisory.