UN Official Declares Climate Crisis a Human Rights Emergency: What You Need to Know – EnviroNews

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Fall, recently emphasized that the climate crisis is fundamentally a human rights issue. He expressed his worries about the future of Sub-Saharan Africa at a conference in Abuja focused on environmental degradation and climate change.

This three-day conference, themed “Human Rights, Environment, and Climate Change,” is organized by the National Human Rights Commission and the University of Nsukka along with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute. It’s part of a larger network that connects various institutions concerned with human rights across Africa.

Fall pointed out that the effects of climate change disproportionately impact the most vulnerable people, including women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Despite contributing only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, Sub-Saharan Africa faces severe consequences, such as food and water shortages and increased displacement.

“This is not just environmental injustice; it’s a moral failure,” Fall stated. “Future generations will inherit a damaged world due to choices they never made.” He highlighted that climate change leads to daily struggles for many in Nigeria, escalating issues like poverty and inequality.

He also noted that the UN General Assembly affirmed the right to a clean and sustainable environment in 2022, emphasizing that climate change poses a significant threat to humanity’s future. This recognition shows that protecting environmental rights is urgent and legally necessary.

Nigeria, as Africa’s largest country, faces critical challenges from climate change, including desertification and rising sea levels. The 2024 flooding in northeastern Nigeria has already caused significant loss of life and displacement.

However, Fall believes Nigeria can lead in climate action by incorporating environmental justice into its policies. He praised the nation’s resilience and potential for innovation. The UN is working with Nigeria to address these issues through various sustainable development initiatives, promoting actions that are fair and inclusive.

Investment in youth and climate innovation is vital, as young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but are already driving change today. Fall echoed the UN Secretary-General’s call for world leaders to move beyond promises and take decisive action.

He concluded by encouraging everyone involved to commit to ensuring that environmental justice becomes a reality for all, reminding us that fighting for climate justice is essential for dignity and the future of our planet. As he quoted Nelson Mandela, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”

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Climate crisis,human rights,Mr Mohammed Fall,United Nations (UN)