Sir, – On Wednesday the United Nations General Assembly is to vote on a resolution endorsing and operationalising the International Court of Justice’s landmark advisory opinion on climate change delivered on July 23rd, 2025.
The world’s highest court made clear that climate action is not only about political ambition and science, but it is also a shared international legal duty. It affirmed that all states must act, co-operate in good faith and protect the human rights of current and future generations.
For Ireland, this means reducing emissions, switching to renewable energy and making climate action a defining priority.
Across ActionAid’s work we see every day the human consequences of climate change around the world in countries that did nothing to cause the crisis. Families struggling with food insecurity, livelihoods under pressure and communities facing worsening droughts, floods and displacement.
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This profoundly denies women and girls their human rights. They travel further to get water. They leave school earlier. They often go without essentials so their families can cope.
The proposed resolution is historic because it makes clear that climate action is a legal obligation. It supports a rapid and fair transition away from fossil fuels, recognises the disproportionate impacts faced by countries in the Global South (particularly small island states threatened by rising sea levels) and strengthens international co-operation at a time when collective action is urgently needed.
This vote comes as countries confront an escalating climate crisis, growing energy insecurity and a global debt crisis severely affecting some of the poorest countries in the world.
The transition away from fossil fuels must happen in a way that is just and supportive of communities in Ireland and across the world.
As a small island nation with a strong tradition of international co-operation, Ireland must promote climate justice, shared responsibility and practical global leadership. – Yours, etc,
KAROL BALFE,
CEO, ActionAid Ireland,
Dublin.
