Earlier this year, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk raised an important question in Geneva. He asked whether we are doing enough to protect people from the chaos caused by climate change. His answer was clear: we are falling short.
Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s also a human rights crisis. Professor Joyeeta Gupta, a leading voice in climate science and co-chair of the Earth Commission, emphasizes that we need to view these impacts as violations of fundamental rights.
But who suffers the most? Professor Gupta points out that the 1992 climate convention didn’t account for human harm. When the Paris Agreement was reached in 2015, the goal of limiting global warming was set at 2°C, later revised to 1.5°C for more safety. However, for small island nations, even 2°C is a life-threatening prospect. Rising sea levels and fierce storms threaten to wipe out entire countries.
In her research published in *Nature*, Professor Gupta argues that the world crossed the 1°C threshold in 2017. It’s predicted we could reach 1.5°C by 2030. This is particularly concerning, as even 1.5°C poses serious risks to millions of people worldwide.
Climate change isn’t just about the environment; it intersects with basic human rights. Access to water, food, and even housing requires energy. Professor Gupta states that many think we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals without altering how the wealthy live. This is simply not the case. Richer nations need to significantly cut their emissions to allow poorer countries to develop sustainably.
Unfortunately, climate displacement is one of the most visible consequences of climate injustice. Yet, international law still does not recognize ‘climate refugees.’ When adaptation fails—like shifting to drought-resistant crops—people lose their land and livelihoods and are ultimately forced to move. Most of this displacement happens within countries, but proving that it’s due to climate change adds a layer of complexity.
Advancements in attribution science are crucial. This field is working to correlate climate change with specific weather events and patterns, which may eventually help integrate climate displacement into international human rights law.
Another challenge is the fragmented legal frameworks. Various treaties exist in separate channels, creating loopholes for states to evade responsibility. Professor Gupta argues that climate consequences have not been adequately addressed in human rights discussions until recently. A landmark opinion from the International Court of Justice highlighted that we cannot speak of climate without considering its effects on people.
As climate impacts cross borders, assigning responsibility becomes intricate. For instance, a farmer in Peru sued a German company for climate-related damages. Though the court allowed the case, demonstrating how emissions translate into harm remains a hurdle. However, emerging legal strategies, including corporate transparency laws, signal a shift toward accountability.
Professor Gupta suggests framing climate stability as a collective human right. Climate stability is vital for food production, water supplies, and everyday life. Courts increasingly recognize this link, affirming that instability threatens existing human rights.
At the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Türk pointed out the erosion of fundamental rights due to climate change. Yet, he sees climate action as an opportunity for profound societal change. He advocates for a roadmap that enables equitable and sustainable transitions.
The lack of global cooperation, particularly seen through the U.S.’s inconsistent participation in environmental treaties, weakens trust. Meanwhile, countries like the U.S., Canada, Norway, and Australia lead new fossil fuel expansions. Professor Gupta stresses that addressing climate change needs collective action and strong governance.
Developing countries are faced with a tough choice: wait for international support or act independently. However, waiting could be detrimental. As Turk warns, we must work towards a just transition, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In the end, if we ignore the lives and rights of vulnerable communities, we repeat the very injustices we attempt to combat.
