Russia joins major emitters in opposing UN climate resolution calling for stronger action

Russia joined several major energy producers and greenhouse gas emitters in voting against a United Nations General Assembly resolution urging governments to take stronger action on climate change.

The non-binding resolution was passed by a vote of 141-8, with 28 abstentions. Countries voting against it included Russia, Iran, the United States, Belarus, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Yemen and Liberia.

The resolution supports a July 2025 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which stated that countries could be acting unlawfully if they fail to meet climate obligations and may be required to provide compensation to states harmed by climate-related impacts.

Major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions have frequently resisted frameworks that could expose them to legal or financial liability linked to climate damage.

Russia remains among the world’s largest emitters, accounting for roughly 5% of both historical and current global greenhouse gas emissions.

Tammy Bruce criticized the resolution on behalf of Washington, objecting to what she described as political demands related to fossil fuels and broader climate policies. Russia’s UN mission did not publicly comment following the vote.

Meanwhile, Antonio Guterres welcomed the outcome, praising the role played by island nations and younger climate advocates.

He described the vote as “a powerful affirmation of international law, climate justice, science, and the responsibility of states to protect people from the escalating climate crisis.”

Vanuatu led efforts behind both the ICJ case and the General Assembly resolution. Reports indicated that the United States had urged governments to push Vanuatu to withdraw the initiative.

Following negotiations among member states, the final text underwent substantial changes, with several countries seeking to balance climate priorities with national security and industrial concerns. The adopted resolution ultimately welcomed the ICJ opinion as an authoritative interpretation of existing international law and called on states to meet their obligations to protect the climate.