Extreme Heat: The Unseen Human Rights Crisis We Must Address Now

I recently attended London Climate Action Week and the Global Tipping Points Conference 2025, and I was shocked by the heat. It wasn’t just uncomfortable; it was alarming.

Europe has been facing extreme heat waves, with temperatures hitting 46ºC. This has caused wildfires in Turkey and Greece, led to mass evacuations, and forced the closure of 1,900 schools in France. Over 2,300 people have died from heat-related issues across 12 cities. Meteorologists are calling this situation “exceptional,” but in reality, it’s becoming the new normal.

These heat extremes aren’t mere seasonal changes; they reflect a significant political failure and contribute to a human rights crisis.

On July 23, the International Court of Justice stated that countries have a legal duty to protect their citizens from climate change. If governments fail to regulate polluting companies, they may be violating international law. Similarly, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights recognized the right to life, health, access to food, water, and a safe environment earlier this month.

While these opinions aren’t legally binding, they carry moral weight and influence international law. The message is clear: inaction on climate change is a violation of human rights.

In Malaysia, climate change is not yet recognized as a human rights issue. However, there is advocacy for its inclusion in the draft Climate Change Bill and as a constitutional amendment. Malaysia is also in a unique position to support the ASEAN Environmental Rights Declaration, which acknowledges access to a healthy environment as a fundamental right.

The urgency of these court opinions cannot be overstated. Climate justice is intrinsically linked to human rights. The public perception of the fossil fuel industry is shifting; it’s now viewed as complicit in these crises.

Extreme heat is one of the most visible signs of climate change, worsened by fossil fuel use. Every piece of coal, oil, or gas burned increases the crisis. Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are suffering the most. Meanwhile, those responsible continue to profit while obstructing substantial change.

A recent report by Elisa Morgera, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change, emphasizes the urgent need to “defossilise.” This means acknowledging that fossil fuels are the primary contributors to global warming. The industry has relied on techniques like denying climate science and promoting “green” solutions that aren’t effective.

In Malaysia, carbon capture and liquefied natural gas are being promoted as greener alternatives, but this is misleading. Fossil fuel subsidies are still far greater than investments in renewable energy. This begs the question: what is the cost to our rights? What will happen if we do nothing?

The ASEAN region, home to many who are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, cannot afford to delay action. The idea of a “cleaner” transition alongside fossil fuels is a trap. Simply aiming for net-zero emissions means little if emissions are still rising.

To truly transition away from fossil fuels, we must ensure fairness. This includes reskilling workers, redirecting subsidies, investing in green technologies, and holding PR firms accountable for their connections to fossil fuel clients. Clean air, livable climates, and dignity at work are essential human rights.

The heat we are experiencing signals a significant warning. Science is clear, and laws are starting to reflect this urgency. Policies need to catch up for the sake of both people and the planet. Defossilisation isn’t just a radical idea; it’s a moral and legal necessity. It is the only way forward.

Prof. Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood is the executive director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University. She has extensive experience in crisis management and has served internationally with the UN and Red Cross. Her insights appear monthly in Ecowatch under the column Planetary Health Matters. The views expressed are her own.

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