Russia Joins U.S. and Iran in Voting Against UN Climate Change Resolution
The Moscow Times • • world
Key Points:
- Russia joined seven other countries, including the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, in voting against a UN General Assembly resolution urging stronger climate action, with the measure passing 141-8 and 28 abstentions.
- The resolution supports a 2025 International Court of Justice advisory opinion declaring it unlawful for countries to neglect climate commitments and potentially liable to pay reparations to states harmed by climate change.
- Major greenhouse gas emitters like Russia, responsible for about 5% of global emissions, oppose mechanisms that could force them to compensate victims of climate disruption.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the resolution as a significant affirmation of international law and climate justice, highlighting leadership from island nations and youth activists.
- The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu led the ICJ case and the resolution effort, despite reported U.S. pressure to withdraw the initiative, and the final resolution text was notably softened after negotiations to accommodate national security and industrial interests.