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Environment

UN backs historic climate crisis ruling, despite US attempts to stop resolution

The Guardian Environment Thursday 21 May 2026, 03:18 UTC By Staff and agencies 1 min read
Key Points

The UN General Assembly voted 141-8 to adopt a resolution supporting a world court's opinion that nations have a legal duty to tackle climate change. The United States, along with Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, was among the few countries to oppose the measure. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated the vote highlighted that governments are responsible for safeguarding citizens against the escalating climate crisis.

The US, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia – some of the highest oil-producing nations and major greenhouse gas emitters – opposed the measure

The UN has voted 141-8 to adopt a resolution backing a world court opinion that countries have a legal obligation to address climate change, with the US – which is the world’s biggest historical emitter – among the small group opposing it.

The UN secretary general, António Guterres, said Wednesday’s general assembly vote, in which 28 countries abstained, underscored that governments are responsible for protecting citizens from the “escalating climate crisis”.

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Originally published by The Guardian Environment Read original →

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