Trump administration presses nations to seek withdrawal of UN climate proposal

The Donald Trump administration is lobbying foreign governments to pressure Vanuatu to withdraw a draft United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for stronger global action on climate change, including potential reparations for climate-related damage.

According to diplomatic guidance sent to US embassies, the US Department of State said it “strongly objects” to the proposal, warning that its adoption could harm US economic and industrial interests. The cable reportedly framed the measure as part of what Washington views as growing UN overreach on climate policy.

The draft resolution, sponsored by Vanuatu, stems from a landmark advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which stated that countries could breach international law if they fail to act against climate change and that affected nations could seek reparations. While the opinion is not legally binding, it has been widely described as influential in shaping international climate law discussions.

Vanuatu’s proposal urges countries to align policies with the 1.5°C global warming limit, phase out fossil fuel subsidies, and recognise obligations related to climate harm. It also calls for creating an international register to document climate-related damage and claims.

US officials argue the resolution goes beyond established legal frameworks, contending it attempts to convert nonbinding interpretations into new obligations. The cable indicates American diplomats were instructed to encourage governments to oppose or delay the initiative.

Climate advocates and human rights organisations have pushed back. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International emphasised that environmental protection is increasingly tied to human rights and warned against political resistance from high-emitting nations.

Scientific consensus continues to link climate change to rising extreme weather risks, including floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires — factors that small island states such as Vanuatu cite as existential threats.