Looking at caring for our environment from the perspective of caring for other people and human rights. Very worthy of a read of the full article.
GP
Policymakers must handle climate change issues within the framework of international human rights, argues Mary Robinson, former U.N. high commissioner for human rights.
Climate change is essentially an issue concerning global injustice and as such needs a radically different approach, she told an audience at Chatham House, a think- tank in London Monday, in a speech delivered to mark the 25th death anniversary of the late environmentalist and founder of the International Institute for Environment and Development, Barbara Ward.
Climate change is no longer an issue where the rich gives charity to the poor to help them cope, she said, and pointed out that the issue has started affecting the fulfillment of human rights. "Our shared human rights framework entitles and empowers developing countries and impoverished communities to claim protection of these rights," she added.She insisted that the same kind of multilateral efforts made in the eradication of diseases like small pox and in controlling environmental hazards like CFC gases will be required to tackle climate issues.She said many countries had denied the evidence in order to hide their inaction. She specifically mentioned United States and Australia, which she said have failed to live up to the "clear moral obligation" of signing the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Until action is taken to address climate change globally, the poorest communities, which have contributed least to the problem, face a future filled with uncertainty and increased threats to their wellbeing, she added.
She said, "Not only is it morally unjustifiable to maintain such an imbalance in people's prospects for development, but practical solutions must rest on a fairer balance being struck."
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