As climate change related disasters seem to be only increasing, world leaders are also left shaking their heads.. According to a new report released today by the UK charity Oxfam, The Right to Survive: the humanitarian challenge for the 21st century, the world is not prepared. According to the report some 375 million people a year will look to be affected by climate change-related disasters by 2015, a significant increase from the from 250 million a year that are currently affected. In the report Oxfam points out that this could overwhelm the world’s current humanitarian aid capacity, leaving us rethink the way the world responds to, prepares for and prevents disasters.
Environmental disasters and changes are also responsible for the increase in new conflicts, thus leaving higher numbers of those displaced, and the need to increase humanitarian aid. It is estimated recent report estimated that 46 countries will face a ‘high risk of violent conflict’ when climate change exacerbates traditional security threats (‘A Climate of Conflict: the Links between Climate Change, Peace and War’, London: International Alert).
Climate change is a violation of human rights, while it effects everyone, it is leaving a disproportionate number of people effected at a higher degree, such as those living in low-lying islands and coastlines, and developing nations with little resources to combat climate change and create effective environmental policies.
“Climate change is one of the most serious challenges mankind has ever faced and has serious implications for the realization of human rights,” says High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay in her contribution to the Climate Thinkers Blog, an online discussion forum hosted by the Copenhagen Conference. Human Rights Violated by Climate Change
And while this statement that climate change violates human rights is broad and essentially one which cannot be prosecuted to the same degree as other violations, it does state in the Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
“Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” Article #25 goes on to say “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing and housing.”
However the question is now left with not only are we not doing enough, but who’s responsibility is it to ensure the environmental and human rights of our children are protected? Is it the state, international community, individuals? The reality is that is a universal responsibility, but getting a clear and concise consensus on the issues seems a far reach.