What would this island nation do without fossil fuels, considering there are 30 airports? And they rely on fossil fueled ships for goods like, oh, food?
How Vanautu’s proposed UN climate change resolution may shift climate accountability for decades
A draft United Nations (UN) resolution on climate change is seeking to turn the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on states’ obligations concerning the “urgent and existential threat” posed by climate change, into a roadmap for concrete action and accountability.
Although non-binding, the landmark opinion issued by the world’s highest court in 2025 is widely regarded as an authoritative opinion that clarified the obligations of states in respect of climate change. It will significantly strengthen efforts to hold world leaders to account, guide the just and equitable phaseout of fossil fuels, reinforce climate laws and policies, and advance climate justice for billions of people globally.
I would say authoritarian, but, OK, whatever
In a rare unanimous opinion, the ICJ made it clear that protecting the global climate system is a legal obligation – not a political choice. Not to do so threatens human rights and the well-being of present and future generations. The ICJ also stated that countries must act together to remediate existing harm and prevent more climate havoc.
Did all the judges stop using fossil fuels? Here’s what the draft resolution would lay out (copied directly)
- Keep to 1.5°C: Adopting and implementing national climate action plans aligned with keeping global heating below 1.5°C with efforts reflecting each State’s highest possible ambition;
- Pass Strong Climate Laws: Adopting and enforcing laws and policies to prevent global environmental harm and protect human rights from the adverse effects of climate change;
- Phase Out Fossil Fuels: Taking effective steps to protect the climate system from greenhouse gas emissions, including through measures to urgently and equitably phase out fossil fuel production, use and ending fossil fuel subsidies;
- Centre Frontline Communities: Ensuring the full, meaningful and equal participation of women, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and other marginalized groups in all forms of climate action;
- Protect Climate ?Displaced People: Upholding the rights of people displaced by climate impacts and creating safe, regular and nondiscriminatory pathways for cross? border? protection;
- Deliver Reparations: Providing full and prompt reparations when states violate their obligations, including through an International Register of Damage attributable to climate change and an accompanying International Mechanism for Climate Reparation.
Hmm, doesn’t look very sciencey, eh? Looks like typical cult socialism.
UN member states are currently expected to vote on the resolution towards the end of April 2026. If governments adopt it, this will send a strong message that the world is ready to follow the ICJ’s legal guidance and turn it into concrete measures to protect people and the planet.
Yeah, well, we’ll see if the rich, 1st world governments do so, probably over the objections of their citizens. The US will shut it down. Even if China votes for it they’ll ignore it. If Vanuatu votes for it they’ll have to revert to living like it’s 1499
It’s so much cleaner and easier to stick a “Resolution” into your ribs and say, Give me all your money, than a gun.
Perhaps more paper work involved but the lawyers are more than happy to charge your for that.
Funny how the people who cast the votes to “end fossil fuels” never seem to be the ones forced to give up USING fossil fuels.