After an “epic” battle in Vanuatu, on the frontline of the ravages of global warming, the UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a “historic” resolution calling for international justice to clarify the “obligations” of states in the fight against climate change. AFP.

The resolution was hailed as “historic” progress, a “significant milestone” and a “triumph for international climate diplomacy.” NGOs and a number of states among the 130 co-authors of the text strongly welcomed this consensus text.

The UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) will have to answer the question of the “obligations of states” in protecting the climate system “before present and future generations.”

“Together, make history,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, arguing that, while not binding, the upcoming ruling by the UN tribunal could help governments “take bolder and more decisive action on climate change that the world desperately needs.”

“Today we witnessed an epic victory for climate justice,” commented Ishmael Kalsakau, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, a territory devastated by two powerful cyclones in just a few days in early March.

It’s also “a victory for people and communities around the world who are on the front lines of the climate crisis,” commented Lavetanalagi Seru, Pacific coordinator of the non-governmental organization Climate Action Network. (photo: T Thongkongkaew, Dreamstime.com)