Explainer: What Does the New UN Climate Resolution Means for Fossil Fuel Expansion?
On 20 May 2026, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a landmark resolution backing the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) 2025 advisory opinion on climate change. The resolution passed overwhelmingly, with 141 countries voting in favor, 8 against, and 28 abstaining. The adoption of this resolution is a major development, both legally and politically. It reinforces States obligations under international law to prevent and address climate change and suggests that countries could face legal consequences if they fail to act, including through enabling continued fossil fuel expansion.