(Photo: vietnam.un.org)

In the past, climate discussions were often confined to COP summits or specialized conferences, but now climate change has become a central theme on the global agenda at UNGA-80.

Milestones and pressures from UN Resolutions

In recent years, the General Assembly has adopted several important documents on climate including a 2022 resolution recognizing the human right to a clean and healthy environment, a 2023 resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on states’ obligations regarding climate action, and a 2024 resolution calling for the protection of the climate for future generations. Though non-binding, these resolutions have shaped the moral and legal framework for climate action, providing a foundation for civil society, national courts, and the international community to hold governments accountable, pushing them to move beyond slogans to practical action.

Yet at UNGA-80, the gap between commitments and implementation remains stark. Major emitters continue to announce ambitious goals, but progress is often slow, opaque, or inconsistent. Meanwhile, climate-vulnerable nations, with limited resources, struggle to adapt and remain dependent on international support mechanisms that are still far from effective.

A central sticking point is climate finance. Developed countries once pledged to mobilize 100 billion USD annually to support developing nations, but actual disbursements have fallen short. Without sufficient financing and technology transfer, pledges to cut emissions or enhance resilience are hollow promises.

UNGA-80 has exposed conflicting viewpoints. Certain leaders have openly denied climate change, calling it “the world’s biggest hoax” and criticizing renewable energy policies. These controversial remarks show that there are economic and political interests obstructing collective action. Fossil fuel exporters fear losing their competitive advantage, heavy industries face high transition costs, and many poorer nations argue they should not have to sacrifice their growth when wealthy countries bear historic responsibility for emissions. These contradictions make global consensus very difficult to achieve.

Hope from global pressure

In the UN General Assembly every nation, large or small, has an equal vote. This enables climate-vulnerable countries to make their voice heard on the world stage. However, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, and enforcement depends entirely on national will and public pressure. Turning political momentum into concrete action, therefore, requires coordination with legal, financial, and technical frameworks.

Despite divisions, UNGA-80 still offers a sign of hope. The growing prominence of climate in UN debates means the issue can no longer be sidelined. If the International Court of Justice’s forthcoming advisory opinion on climate obligations is widely recognized, it could lay the groundwork for a stronger, binding international legal framework.

Meanwhile, pressure from civil society, youth movements, and global climate campaigns continues to build momentum. In this context, the UN forum is an important platform to transform public pressure into political declarations, political declarations into resolutions, and resolutions into concrete national actions.

Climate change will not wait. Extreme storms, prolonged droughts, wildfires, and rising seas are unfolding daily. The General Assembly may not enact binding laws, but it remains the most powerful arena for generating political and moral pressure, compelling nations to confront their responsibilities.

The 80th session of the UN General Assembly makes clear that climate change is no longer a “mere environmental issue”, it is now the ultimate measure of credibility and responsibility for the entire international community.