A resolution spearheaded by Vanuatu and adopted by UNGA this morning formally endorses last year’s landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on states’ climate change obligations.
The historic ruling from the world’s top court confirmed states have obligations under international law to act on climate change and prevent environmental harm, and warned governments could breach international law if they continue approving and supporting fossil fuel expansion.
Today’s resolution is an important step towards implementing the ICJ’s ruling and strengthening international recognition of countries’ obligations to address climate harm.
WWF-New Zealand Special Adviser on Climate Law and Policy, Teall Crossen, welcomes New Zealand voting in support of the resolution but says the move rings hollow while the Government continues expanding fossil fuels at home.
“Pacific nations pushed for the ICJ ruling and Vanuatu led the charge on this UN resolution because they are already facing catastrophic climate impacts and expect countries like New Zealand to show genuine leadership.
“Instead, we’ve reversed the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, committed hundreds of million dollars to extend the life of the fossil fuel industry, and are pushing through bizarre plans to levy electricity users to import LNG.
“The ICJ has warned that new fossil fuel expansion is likely to be incompatible with international law, yet Aotearoa is continuing to actively prop up sunset fossil fuel industries.
“If the Government wants to be seen as a credible regional partner and uphold its responsibilities to Pacific communities on the frontline, it cannot continue doubling down on the industries driving the climate crisis at home.”
Lawyers for Climate Action NZ’s Acting Executive Director, Laura MacKay, says the gap between New Zealand’s international rhetoric and domestic action is becoming increasingly difficult to defend.
“The ICJ opinion reinforced that climate obligations are grounded in existing international law and that governments are expected to take meaningful action to prevent climate harm.
“It is hard to understand why New Zealand is prepared to support a resolution that sets out States’ obligations to regulate private actors for contributions to climate harm while domestically considering law changes that shield major emitters from accountability through the courts.
“If the Government is serious about respecting the law on climate change, that commitment must extend beyond statements made at the UN.”