New Delhi, May 21: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated that fossil fuels are the primary cause of the climate crisis. In a statement on Wednesday, Guterres emphasized that achieving climate justice requires a rapid, fair, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy. This statement followed the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) related to the advisory opinion on climate change responsibilities issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Guterres welcomed the resolution, stating, “Those who have contributed the least to climate change are suffering the most. This injustice must end.” He further outlined the clear path ahead: keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius target within reach and creating a safe, just, and resilient future for all. He also highlighted that renewable energy has proven to be the cheapest and safest energy source.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the UNGA adopted a draft resolution on the same day with record voting, where 141 countries supported it, eight opposed it, and 28 abstained. The resolution welcomed the ICJ’s advisory opinion from July 2025, which outlined countries’ responsibilities regarding climate change and stated that this opinion is a significant interpretation of international law.
The resolution calls on all countries to fulfill their responsibilities under international law to protect the Earth and the environment from climate change caused by greenhouse gases, as indicated by the court.