UN Affirms Responsibility To Mitigate
Climate Change; US Votes Against
Society of Environmental Journalists

(May 26, 2026) — “The United Nations voted this week to affirm that countries have a responsibility to protect people from climate change, while the U.S. was one of a handful of member states to vote against the resolution.

The measure, brought by Vanuatu, calls on countries to take steps to avoid significant climate and environmental damage, including emissions within their borders. It also calls on them to keep up with their climate pledges.

It passed 141-8, while 28 countries abstained. The ones that voted against the resolution were: the U.S., Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.”

Further Reading
Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill May 21, 2026,