UN General Assembly seeks World Court's opinion on countries' climate duties.

The UN General Assembly has voted to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states in respect of climate change. The resolution was put forward by Vanuatu, supported by a “core group” of 17 countries, and is focused on the adverse impacts of climate change on small island developing states as well as climate justice. Although ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry legal authority and moral weight. UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that the Court’s advisory opinions have tremendous importance and could assist the UN and member states to take bolder and stronger climate action.