The European Court of Human Rights holds Switzerland accountable for inadequate climate action, signalling a new era where climate change intersects with human rights. Similar recognition emerges in India, emphasizing the right to be free from climate change impacts.
Legal Recognition of Climate Change as a Human Rights Issue
Guilty: European Court of Human Rights finds Switzerland guilty of violating women's rights due to inadequate climate action.
Recognition in India: Supreme Court of India recognizes the right to be free from adverse climate impacts under constitutional provisions.
Urgency to address climate change: World Meteorological Organization's report highlights 2023 as the hottest year on record, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change as a human rights crisis.
India's Progress and Vulnerabilities
India’s vulnerability: India achieves two Nationally Determined Contribution targets ahead of schedule, but remains highly vulnerable to climate change.
Risk of residence: Over 80% of India's population resides in districts at risk of climate-induced disasters, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities.
Rights perspective of climate change: Urgent need to address climate change impacts from a rights perspective to safeguard health, life, and liberty.
Pathways for Enhanced Climate Action
Proposal for an overarching regulation on climate change in India to strengthen governance and accountability.
Adoption of climate change framework laws from countries like Germany and South Africa can guide India in enhancing climate governance.
Leveraging India's localisation model for Sustainable Development Goals to integrate climate action into local-level planning and implementation.