Australia has voted in favour of a landmark United Nations resolution aimed at holding countries accountable for climate change.The resolution, pushed by Pacific island nations and supported by a group of Pacific students, follows an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) warning that failing to limit fossil fuel production may constitute an 'internationally wrongful act'.The UN General Assembly passed the resolution with 141 votes in favour, eight against, and 28 abstentions.Despite voting in favour, Australia remains a major exporter of coal and gas while pursuing domestic emissions reductions and renewable energy goals.

Critics, including Amanda McKenzie of the Climate Council, argue that the federal government continues to allow large fossil fuel projects, putting future generations at risk.The resolution urges nations to align policies with limiting global warming to 1.5C, regulate fossil fuel companies, and provide reparations for climate damages.

Australia, along with New Zealand, was not a co-sponsor of the resolution but holds a key negotiation role in upcoming climate talks in Türkiye, alongside Fiji and Tuvalu, nations severely threatened by rising sea levels.This decision reflects growing international pressure on fossil fuel-exporting nations to reconcile economic interests with climate accountability.