Australia Backs UN Climate Accountability Resolution

Why this is here: The International Court of Justice delivered its advisory opinion in July 2025, finding a link between fossil fuel production and potential international legal violations.

Australia joined 141 nations in endorsing a United Nations resolution in New York. The resolution stems from an advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice. It states failure to curb fossil fuel production may be an “internationally wrongful act.” Pacific students, led by Vishal Prasad of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, first proposed the legal opinion.

Vanuatu initiated support for the opinion and sponsored the UN resolution with its Pacific allies. Eight countries opposed the measure, while 28 abstained from voting. The Climate Council’s Amanda McKenzie notes Australia continues to approve new coal and gas projects.

Australia, a major coal and gas exporter, was not a co-sponsor of the resolution. Tuvalu is projected to lose roughly 90 percent of its land to rising sea levels by 2100. The UN urges nations to align policies with limiting warming to 1.5C and to provide reparations for climate damage.