More

    Climate Change Undermines Human Rights: World Meteorological Organisation

    EnvironmentClimate changeClimate Change Undermines Human Rights: World Meteorological Organisation
    - Advertisment -

    Climate Change Undermines Human Rights: World Meteorological Organisation

    Protracted conflicts, economic downturns, high food prices are at the root of high global food insecurity levels. This is aggravated by naturally occurring phenomena like El Niño and La Niña and long-term climate change the effects of climate and weather extremes.

    The accelerating pace of climate change is undermining human rights across the board – including the most basic one of all: the right to life – World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Secretary-General Celeste Saulo told a high-level presidential discussion at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

    “The world celebrated when the UN Human Rights Council passed a landmark resolution in 2021. This confirmed that a healthy environment is a human right. It marked a watershed moment in the fight against the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss and pollution and waste,” she said.

    “But the time for celebration has passed.”

    “The climate crisis is THE defining challenge that humanity faces. It is closely intertwined with the inequality crisis. It has cascading impacts on food security, population displacement and migration, health, energy, water. Every single one of the Sustainable Development Goals is affected,” said Celeste Saulo during the panel discussion.

    - Advertisement -

    Sea level rise is threatening the very existence of small island developing states. Heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones undermine multiple human rights – as witnessed by recent and ongoing extreme events, she said.

    The event was entitled “The link between climate change, food security and health security, and their impacts on the enjoyment of human rights.” It was convened by the President of the Human Rights Council, Omar Zniber, and included top human rights officials and heads of Geneva-based UN organizations and specialized agencies.  

    WMO’s annual State of the Climate reports highlight the socio-economic impacts of climate change and extreme weather, with input from the International Organization, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, World Food Programme, World Health Organization and more.

    Displacement

    Weather and climate change impacts trigger new, prolonged, and secondary displacement. They increase the vulnerability of people who were already uprooted by conflict and violence.

    At the end of 2023, almost three in four forcibly displaced people were living in countries with high-to-extreme exposure to climate-related hazards, according to UNHCR.

    Food security

    Food insecurity is on the increase.

    The number of people who are acutely food insecure worldwide has more than doubled, from 149 million people before the COVID-19 pandemic to 333 million and people in 2023, according to WFP.

    In 2022, 9.2 per cent of the global population, or 735.1 million people, were undernourished. 

    Protracted conflicts, economic downturns, high food prices are at the root of high global food insecurity levels. This is aggravated by naturally occurring phenomena like El Niño and La Niña and long-term climate change the effects of climate and weather extremes, she said. 

    Climate change is sabotaging people’s health and setting back public health progress. 

    This is not the future we want for our children. Our children have the right to live and thrive on a sustainable and healthy planet.

    However, there is hope. The transition to renewable energy can improve basic socio-economic rights – the right to development. 

    Renewable energy sources are available almost everywhere, making energy access more equitable and allowing countries to develop their economies.  Currently, more than half of Africa people lack the access to electricity, but Africa continent possesses some of the world’s greatest potential for solar power generation. 

    Such potential holds the key to alleviate poverty and support socio-economic development. “We are motivated by the fact that our work has a human dimension. To save human lives and protect human rights,” said Celeste Saulo.

    - Advertisement -

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Latest news

    Afghan Refugees Expelled from Iran and Exposed to Horrific Abuse

    Currently, Afghanistan is in the midst of a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by the oppressive rule of the Taliban regime.

    Lifesaver: Study shows vaccine campaigns cut deaths by nearly 60 per cent

    The results highlight not only the effectiveness of emergency vaccination, but also the critical role of preparedness and speed in response to emerging threats.

    Cabinet approves the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

    The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme and first of its kind focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors.

    Over 14 Million Infants Remain Unvaccinated: WHO, UNICEF

    The past year saw 14.3 million “zero-dose” children who never received a single dose of any vaccine, WHO and UNICEF said in a joint press release on Tuesday.
    - Advertisement -

    Bangladesh: Discord over Women’s Political Representation and Structure of Parliament

    Beyond gender, structural reform discussions aim to shift from a unicameral legislature to a bicameral one – a vision that most parties accept in principle.

    India Unveils First Indigenous Cost-Effective Carbon Fibre Foot Prosthesis: A Leap Toward Accessible Mobility

    With future plans to scale production and explore export possibilities, ADIDOC stands as a beacon of India’s ability to lead in affordable medical innovation.

    Must read

    Afghan Refugees Expelled from Iran and Exposed to Horrific Abuse

    Currently, Afghanistan is in the midst of a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by the oppressive rule of the Taliban regime.

    Lifesaver: Study shows vaccine campaigns cut deaths by nearly 60 per cent

    The results highlight not only the effectiveness of emergency vaccination, but also the critical role of preparedness and speed in response to emerging threats.
    - Advertisement -

    More from the sectionRELATED
    Recommended to you