UN backs landmark Pacific-led resolution clearing way for International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate obligations

The International Court of Justice is the highest court for disputes between states. (Reuters: Michael Kooren )

The United Nations has adopted a landmark resolution asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to deliver an opinion on climate change and the legal consequences countries face for harming the environment.

It is the culmination of a four-year push led by Vanuatu and other Pacific nations to get climate change in front of the highest international court.