• RIGHT TO CLIMATE JUSTICE

FACTS & FIGURES

  • It is estimated that by the year 2050, climate change could displace over one billion people.

  • Currently, 80 percent of people displaced by climate change are women and girls.

What is Climate Justice?

Climate change arises primarily from human activities, notably the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. This releases copious greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere. GHGs trap solar heat, leading to long-term shifts in weather patterns and rising global temperatures. These changes bring various environmental impacts:

1. Temperature Rise: Escalating GHG levels cause heatwaves and disrupt ecosystems.

2. Ice Melt: Higher temperatures result in ice caps and glaciers melting, endangering coastal regions.

3. Extreme Weather: Climate change intensifies hurricanes, droughts, floods, and storms, causing extensive destruction.

4. Altered Precipitation: Shifting weather patterns lead to more intense rainfall in some areas and droughts in others, impacting agriculture and water supply.

5. Ocean Acidification: Elevated carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are absorbed by oceans, making them more acidic and detrimental to marine life, particularly coral reefs and shellfish.

6. Biodiversity Loss: Ecosystem disruptions threaten species unable to adapt.

Climate justice centers on the ethical, political, and social dimensions of climate change. It acknowledges that marginalized communities, despite contributing minimally to GHG emissions, endure the severest consequences. Climate justice strives for human rights, social equity, equitable climate policies, a just transition to a low-carbon economy, and recognition of historical responsibilities. It champions a fair and sustainable future for all, particularly the most vulnerable, encapsulated in this 150-word summary.

How Does Climate Change affect Girls’ Human Rights?

  • RIGHT TO LIFE

    Climate change can lead to extreme weather events and natural disasters, which can threaten girls' right to life and survival.

  • RIGHT TO HEALTH

    Climate change can lead to poor air quality, heatwaves, and the spread of diseases. This affects their right to the highest attainable standard of health.

  • RIGHT TO FOOD

    Climate change can negatively impact agriculture and food production, leading to food shortages and malnutrition. This affects girls' rights to adequate food and nutrition.

  • RIGHT TO WORK

    Climate change can reduce economic opportunities in affected communities. This can limit girls' chances for financial independence and affect their right to work.

  • RIGHT TO EDUCATION

    Natural disasters and extreme weather events, which are more frequent due to climate change, can damage or destroy schools, disrupt education, or force girls to miss school to help their families recover. This impacts their right to education.

  • RIGHT TO WATER & SANITATION

    Climate change can cause water scarcity, making it harder for girls to access clean water and sanitation. In many communities, girls are responsible for collecting water, which could mean longer walks and missed school time. This affects their rights to water, sanitation, and education.

  • RIGHT TO PARTICIPATION

    Girls should have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes related to climate change and its impacts. However, their voices are underrepresented, affecting their right to participate in public life.

  • RIGHT TO SAFETY

    Climate change can contribute to conflicts over resources, displacement, and migration. Girls in these situations may be more vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and trafficking, affecting their rights to safety and security.

The International Legal Framework

  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

    Adopted in 1992, the UNFCCC is the primary international legal framework for addressing climate change. It acknowledges that developed countries bear a greater historical responsibility for climate change and should take the lead in combating it, while also providing support to developing countries.

  • Kyoto Protocol

    This agreement, made in 1997, set pollution reduction goals for developed countries and created ways to help them reach these goals.

  • Paris Agreement

    Adopted in 2015, it sets out a global framework for addressing climate change, with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius. All countries must say how they will reduce pollution and deal with climate change impacts. The agreement deal with fairness, human rights, and equal treatment.

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, these goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Some goals connect to climate fairness, eg taking action against climate change, providing clean energy, reducing inequality, and promoting peace and justice.

  • Human rights instruments

    Although they do not talk about climate change directly, some human rights instruments help address climate fairness issues. For example, the United Nations Human Rights Council has recognized that climate change has adverse effects on the right to life, food, water, health, & adequate housing.

  • Environmental law principles

    These principles seek to ensure that those responsible for causing environmental harm are held accountable and that the interests of future generations are considered in environmental decision-making. Ensuring that climate policies and measures are equitable, inclusive, and respect human rights requires ongoing efforts at the national, regional, and international levels.

What Role Can Girls Play in Advocating for Climate Justice?

  • Learn about climate change, its impacts, and climate justice. Share this with friends, family, and the community to raise awareness and inspire action.

  • Participate in local, national, or international organisations dedicated to climate justice & activism, such as youth-led movements like Fridays for Future. Girls can also start their own clubs or initiatives at school or in their communities.

  • Write letters, sign petitions, or meet with local government representatives to demand stronger climate policies that prioritise justice & equity for marginalised communities.

  • Use social media platforms to share information, raise awareness, and mobilize others to join the fight for climate justice. Girls can also participate in online campaigns, webinars, and virtual events focused on climate issues.

  • Adopt eco-friendly habits, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable products & businesses. Encourage friends & family to do the same.

  • Volunteer or fundraise for organisations that promote climate justice, work on community resilience projects, or assist vulnerable populations impacted.

  • Join peaceful demonstrations and protests to demand urgent climate action and draw attention to the need for climate justice.