The UN backed a world court opinion stating that countries have a legal obligation to address climate change. Canada, China and every EU country except Czechia were among the 141 nations that supported the resolution. The United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran were among the eight that voted in opposition. Twenty-eight countries abstained. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres tweeted, “I welcome the adoption of the General Assembly resolution on the @CIJ_ICJ’s (International World Court) advisory opinion on climate change – a powerful affirmation of international law, climate justice, science & the responsibility of states to protect people from the escalating climate crisis. Those least responsible for climate change are paying the highest price. That injustice must end.”