Climate change is one of the world’s greatest challenges to human development and the environment, directly affecting human rights such as the rights to water, food, health and an adequate standard of living. Such effects represent a matter of justice, as communities who least contributed to the environmental crisis generated by climate change are expected to suffer from most of its negative impacts. To make matters worse, many of them live in fragile ecosystems and rely on those natural resources most affected by climate change.
With the increasing pressure on land and resources, climate change tends to exacerbate existing threats to indigenous people and local communities. Conflicts around land tenure, access to natural resources, and discriminatory legislation are expected to be aggravated, particularly affecting rights to maintain traditional livelihoods, knowledge and cultures, and to self-determination.
Foundation for Human Rights
International Development Research Centre
Department for International Development
Open Collaborative Science in Development Network