This Blog is written by Tanishka Rana, a Third-Year Law Student of Delhi Metropolitian Education, Noida

Climate change is not just an environmental issue but it also affect human rights indirectly or directly based on the health, safety, and livelihoods of millions of individual in the world. The instability in the weather pattern and the increase in temperature caused a change in the ecosystem and the correlation of human rights and climate change is becoming clearer. Fighting climate change is not merely stopping the environmental degradation, but it is also ensuring and safeguarding the rights of persons and communities especially the most at risk.

Understanding Climate Change and Its Impacts

Climate change occurs when there has been long-term shift in the average temperature and precipitation including highly abnormal alterations of climate usually caused by human activities such as burning of fossil fuels, cutting down trees and pollution from factories. It is as a result of these effects that there has been unprecedented climate changes like devastating heat waves, long dry seasons, rise in sea level etc. These effects are, however, not uniformly experienced in the world because developing countries and disadvantaged or marginalized groups tend to face the worst of such confrontations. It is rather sad to note that drastic weather changes affect everyone but most countries suffer the most worst hits. For instance, Due to climate change induced by human activity, the world sea level is very slowly and continuously rising which is dangerous to the people who live close to the ocean or in low-lying islands and therefore is forcing all of these people to move away and hence losing their homes, ways and heritage. Weather catastrophes like typhoons or tsunami’s or torrents have occurred and have not only killed people and ruined property but displaced millions of people creating climate refugees who run worldwide seeking settlement and peace. Moreover climate change can result in changing or shift in agriculture pattern which can cause food and water scarcity, pushing already vulnerable populations further into poverty and malnutrition.

The Human Rights Perspective

Human Rights are those which every person possesses without discrimination based on class, religion, race, nationality, language[1]. Human rights not just involve right to life and liberty but also right to be free from slavery and torture, to work and be educated, to the highest attainable standard of health and many others.

Due to climate change Human Rights of the people and communities are infringed or abused by undermining the protection of the human rights to life, health, food, water, and shelter. For instance, due to harsh climatic conditions number of people die or there is excessive displacement of populations which in turn lead to violation of the right to life of the people. The right to health was compromised due to the rise of pollution which led to respiratory diseases such as heart failure, lungs disease, skin infections, common sicknesses reasoned by other factors among others. Tropical wet and dry regions result in numerous both droughts and floods that decrease the conduct of agricultural activities and contamination of water sources which make it hard to access desirable food and water. These effects are compounded in already vulnerable communities. The culture and the way of life of the native population of minorities associated with their land is under the threat of extinction due to the shrinkage of their native lands. For an instance , Women in Bangladesh have high mortality rate because the region is prone to cyclones due to that the it create social and economic barriers that limit their mobility and access to information.

Legal Frameworks and International Responses

The recognition of the relationship between climate change and human rights has brought about a number of treaties, and other agreements which seek to respond to the two concerns. The Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015 and comes under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is keen in constraining the temperature rise above pre-industrial levels to below 2 degree Celsius with an ideal of 1.5 degree[2] . The Paris Agreement has given rise to new constructive sub global initiatives, which do not only seek to mitigate climate change by greenhouse gas abatement but are also directed to the well-being of people including children, minorities, the elders, and indigenous people.

For many years now, the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council)has also been doing effective work in concentrating on the impacts of climate change on the human rights. Appointing Special Rapporteurs on Human Rights and the Environment has changed the habitual perception of environmental concerns which have normally been viewed from a development perspective. As of late, the UNHRC has passed resolutions supporting right to healthy environment as a human right[3] which further emphasizes that combating climate change is a matter of human dignity and hence, immediate response is warranted.

However, even with these frameworks in place, a clear chasm still exists between headroom commitments and action by other means. A large number of countries are lagging behind their emission reduction obligations, and there has been weak funds for climate change adaptation support development.

The Role of Corporations and Governments

The engagement of both government and corporations is key to combating climate change and respecting human rights. Governments are accountable for enacting and enforcing laws and policies that not only curtail emissions but also support/adopt policies to nurture/reinforce renewable energy and promote community-based efforts to adapt to climate change. Governments must ensure substantive engagement with marginalized populations while enacting these policies. For instance, Costa Rica has raised the bar globally, committing to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050, investing heavily in renewable energy, and reforesting, etc[4]. Corporations (particularly in high emissions industries) must undertake their obligation to reduce the overall environmental burden they leave behind. Corporations carry overlapping responsibility to reduce carbon emissions and how they manage most of their waste to approach sustainable desires operating at present in whole other capacities. Corporations that fail to act in a sustainable manner contribute to the climate crisis, but even more than by being complicit in contributing to the climate disaster, corporations affect the well-being of the communities in which they operate, where communities may experience environments in which their human rights are infringed upon. Better positive practice models do exist regarding corporate responsibility to support climate action like Microsoft's commitment to become carbon net negative by 2030 and block all past carbon emissions by the year 2050[5].

The Path Forward: Climate Justice and Adaptation Strategies

Climate justice necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of those most impacted by climate change. Adaptation and mitigation strategies must prioritize human rights, ensuring that all people have the resources they need to deal with the effects of climate change. This includes building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving access to clean water and healthcare.

Inclusive policymaking is essential. The voices of those directly affected, such as indigenous peoples, women, and youth, must be heard in climate decision-making processes. Their lived experiences provide important insights into sustainable practices and adaptation strategies. Grassroots movements, such as Greta Thunberg's Fridays for Future youth movement, demonstrate the power of collective action to hold governments and corporations accountable[6].

How Individuals Can Make a Difference

Individuals plays huge role in battle against climate change and protection of human rights. Simple and small actions can collectively make a significant impact for an example reducing energy consumption, supporting sustainable products, and reducing waste etc. Advocacy is another powerful tool—raising awareness, participating in climate marches, and supporting policies that promote sustainability and equity can drive systemic change.

Moreover, holding corporations and governments accountable is vital. Consumers plays a vital role in climate change as they can make companies to adopt more sustainable practices by supporting ethical brand . While citizen can demand their leader to make policies/law or take action which is in favour of climate.

Conclusion

Climate change is not just an environment issue but also a extreme threat to human rights of individuals that needs promptly and coordinated actions globally. As we have to face up this crisis, it’s important to center human rights in our response, ensuring that no one is left behind. We can build a future that respects both the planet and the people who inhabit it by embracing climate justice, adopting inclusive policies, and taking individual and collective action.

References

[1] The editor of United nation, Human rights_ https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/human-rights#:~:text=Human%20rights%20are%20rights%20inherent,religion%2C%20or%20any%20other%20satus. _ accessed on 8/9/24

[2] The editor of United nation Key aspect of the paris aggrement https://unfccc.int/most-requested/key-aspects-of-the-paris-agreement#:~:text=The%20Paris%20Agreement's%20central%20aim,further%20to%201.5%20degrees%20Celsius. _ accessed on 8/9/24

[3] Editor of ICUN_ The right to a healthy environment https://iucn.org/news/world-commission-environmental-law/202110/right-a-healthy-environment#:~:text=On%20October%208//%2C%202021%2C%20the%20UN%20Human%20Rights%20Council%20adopted,is%20a%20major%20step%20forward. Accessed on 8/9/24

[4] The erditor of Senderos_ Charting the Green Path: Unpacking Sustainability in Costa Rica_ https://senderos-cr.com/unpacking-sustainability/#:~:text=Furthermore%2C%20according%20to%20the%20National,lies%20in%20its%20rich%20biodiversity. _ accessed on 8/9/24

[5] Editor of Microsoft_our commitment_ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/sustainability/carbon-removal-

program#:~:text=Our%20commitment,our%20historical%20emissions%20by%202050. _accessed on 8/9/24

[6] Nikita more_ The Role of Youth Activism in Environmental Conservation https://blog.sankalptaru.org/the-role-of-youth-activism-in-environmental-conservation/#:~:text=From%20the%20global%20phenomenon%20of,their%20environmental%20policies%20and%20practices. Accessed on 25/9/24