Climate change is a big problem that affects human rights around the world. It’s changing how people talk about and fight against these issues. This problem has many sides, such as harm to our environment, people being forced to move, and vulnerable communities facing even more risks.

How Climate Change Affects Human Rights

1. Displacement and Migration:

   • The United Nations thinks that by 2050, as many as 200 million people might have to leave their homes because of climate-related issues.
   • This raises new questions about human rights since the rules we have now weren’t made for people moving because of climate change. The idea of "climate refugees," or people who move because of climate issues, is becoming more common, but there aren’t many laws protecting them yet. The 2018 Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration recognizes that climate change can lead to people needing to migrate.

2. Health Risks:

   • Climate change makes existing health problems worse, like breathing issues from bad air and diseases spread by insects. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that climate change could lead to 250,000 extra deaths each year between 2030 and 2050 because of problems like hunger, malaria, and heat stress.
   • People in vulnerable communities, especially in poorer countries, are hit the hardest since they often have limited access to healthcare and support.

Changes in Human Rights Discussions

1. Recognition of Rights:

   • The Paris Agreement, which was agreed upon in 2015, highlights that climate change affects human rights, especially for those most at risk. Over 190 countries have signed this agreement, showing a shared understanding that human rights must be part of climate action.
   • The UN Human Rights Council has made several resolutions that connect human rights and climate change, marking a shift in how we view these issues.

2. Activism and Advocacy:

   • Global movements like Fridays for Future, led by Greta Thunberg, call for immediate actions on climate change and stress the importance of rights for future generations.
   • More people are also taking legal action against governments that aren’t doing enough about climate change. By 2021, there were almost 1,000 climate-related lawsuits in over 30 countries, with many claiming that human rights are being violated.

International Responses

1. Policy Frameworks:

   • Countries are starting to include human rights in their plans to fight climate change. For example, 67% of countries considered human rights when making their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the UN.
   • By thinking about human rights, countries can create better solutions for climate challenges that support vulnerable populations.

2. Funding and Resources:

   • International funds, like the Green Climate Fund, focus on projects that help people while respecting their rights, which influences how money is spent on climate programs.

In summary, climate change isn’t just an environmental problem; it’s also a serious challenge to human rights that impacts global conversations and actions. As more people understand this connection, governments and other organizations are being held accountable for their roles in tackling climate change while also protecting people’s rights.