Youth for climate justice!

Climate refugees

Aistė Zakarauskaitė

What is a “climate refugee”?

All people around the world are feeling the effects of climate change. However, according to the World Economic Forum, developing countries more severely feel the consequences of climate change such as droughts, windstorms, hurricanes, heat waves, tornadoes, and other climate disasters [1]. It deprives individuals of daily safe food, clean water, and other basic needs. The World Economic Forum emphasizes that one of the biggest climate change threats is sea-level rise. It is mentioned that for example “In Bangladesh, it is predicted that 17% of the country will be submerged by the rise in sea level by 2050, and 20 million people living there will lose their homes.” [1]. Every year sea level rises 3.2 mm. [8]. Meaning that not only the developing countries, but all countries which are surrounded by the seas are at risk which could lead to migration.

Therefore, people are forced to move and look for safer spaces that they could call home. According to the World Economic Forum: “Concept of climate refugees is described as the increasing large-scale migration and cross-border mass movements of people that were partly caused by weather-related disasters” [1]. It is important to mention that because of climate change fundamental human rights of refugees are being constantly violated – the right to self-determination and housing. Extreme weather conditions destroy people's houses leaving them with no self-determination choice where to live, threatening indigenous people's traditional living area's survival [2]. Another common term to define “climate refugee” is “environmental refugee/migrant” meaning the same – people leaving their homes because of climate change-related disasters [3].

Statistics – climate refugees around the world

According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, “Since 2008 over 318 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced by floods, windstorms, earthquakes, or droughts” [3]. And in 2020 “30.7 million people were displaced because of environmental disasters, notably linked to climate change from 145 countries and territories.” [7]. This data shows that every year people experience the effects of climate change, forcing them to leave their homes. For example, the most affected by climate change in 2021 was Vanuatu - 260 459 people (per million inhabitants) were forced to leave their homes [7]. 41 274 (per million inhabitants) people were displaced because of climate conditions in Fiji [7]. According to statistical data from the Global internal displacement database, most climate refugees are from East Asia and the Pacific – 39% of the world’s climate refugees.

Laws protecting climate refugees

In 1951 “The Refugee Convention” was adopted. However, this convention only offers protection to those fleeing war and conflict who face persecution on grounds of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion [4]. That implies those who leave their countries in the context of climate change or disasters do not qualify for protection under international law. However, the situation is slowly changing. According to The UN Refugee Agency, “People may have a valid claim for refugee status, for example, where the adverse effects of climate change interact with armed conflict and violence.” [5]. Some people according to this convention are able to claim their “climate refugees” status. In 2018 the United Nations also released the Global Compact on Refugees which acknowledged that “Climate, environmental degradation and natural disasters increasingly interact with the drivers of refugee movements.” [6]. That means international organizations are taking action to ensure that people who have left their homes because of damaging climate conditions would be protected. Nevertheless, it is necessary to protect fundamental human rights, connected to climate change more effectively as the threats are beyond the control of climate refugees and the long-lasting process may put people's safety and even lives at risk.

Every year climate change causes negative impacts on economics, health and people’s social life. All of those factors affect people’s living conditions. Therefore, people are forced to leave their homes and the term “climate refugees” appears. Due to climate change, people’s fundamental human rights such as the right to self-determination, the right to health, and the right to housing are in danger as well. It is crucial to protect people’s rights and educate society about climate change's impact on people's living quality in order to make this phenomenon more seen and understood globally.

This article is a part of the project “Youth for Climate change!” which is implemented by Global Citizens‘ Academy (Lithuania) together with “Stebėk teises” (Lithuania), Peace Action (Estonia), Crossing Borders (Denmark). This publication has been produced with financial support from the Nordic Council of Ministers. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the coordinators of this project and does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

References:

[1]World Economic Forum. (2021). Climate refugees – the world’s forgotten victims. Read more:
[2]Understanding Human Rights and Climate Change. (2015). Read more
[3]European Parliament. The concept of climate refugee. (2021). Read more:
[4]The 1951 Refugee Convention. Read more:
[5]The UN Refugee Agency. Climate change and disaster displacement. (2021). Read more:
[6]Global Compact on Refugees. (2018). Read more:
[7]Global internal displacement database, 2020. Read more:
[8]Climate Change: Global Sea Level. (2020). Read more:

The importance of environmental human rights

Rugilė Zmitrevičiūtė

With the climate situation worsening, the threat for human environmental rights becomes more severe. Human rights and environmental issues share a bilateral connection. Human rights cannot be ensured without a clean and healthy environment, and sustainable environmental governance cannot exist without the respect for human rights. [1] According to the World Health Organization climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. However, developing countries are in an especially vulnerable position. [2] In this article we will look at the importance of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, which is one of the essential human rights.

Why are environmental human rights important? First of all, increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms and floods lead to death and illness. Also, due to climate change, food production and water supply systems can be disrupted and zoonotic diseases are on a rise. It is also worth noting that developing countries are affected by climate change more severely, even though their impact on climate change is the least and these countries do not have the resources to combat it alone. [2]

The 2020 Climate Risk Index (which reflects countries' vulnerability to the direct consequences of climate change — deaths and economic losses) determined the 10 countries presently most affected by climate change. The top 3 countries are: Japan, which is severely affected by heavy rains, heat waves, earthquakes, and typhoons, Philippines due to torrential rainfalls and typhoons and Germany due to heat waves that destroyed almost the whole agriculture sector. [3] Due to the serious climate change effect on peoples’ lives and health it is extremely important to pay attention to environmental human rights.

First time environmental human rights were addressed in 1972 during the United Nations Conference on the Environment in Stockholm. The United Nations Member States then declared that people have a fundamental right to "an environment of a quality that permits a life of dignity and wellbeing" and in 2021 access to a healthy and sustainable environment was recognized as a universal right by the United Nations. [4] [5] This means that with a guarantee of non dicrimination clean air, safe and sufficient water, healthy and sustainably produced food, a safe climate, biodiversity and toxic-free environment must be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere and is a vital human right. [6]

How does it affect human health? Due to humanity’s consumerism, large scale production and transportation air is polluted. Air contaminated by unclean fuels can lead to such health problems like heart diseases, strokes and lung cancer. [7] Air pollution causes 8.8 million extra deaths a year worldwide - more than 90% of deaths related to air pollution occur in low and middle income countries. [8]

Also, because of uncontrollable growth of agriculture and industry, the barrier between wildlife and humans drastically thinned. Therefore, diseases like COVID-19 are emerging as they are caused by activities that bring increasing numbers of people into direct contact and often conflict with the animals that carry pathogens. It is also estimated that pandemics will become a more frequent phenomenon. [9]

Water crisis is also severe and fatally dangerous. Extreme weather changes cause disasters like droughts and floods, which can destroy or contaminate water supplies and increase the risk of diseases like cholera and typhoid. Also, rising temperatures can lead to deadly pathogens in freshwater sources, making the water dangerous for people to drink. Sadly, the water crisis affects low income countries and children more intensely. [10]

All in all, due to human actions, the climate crisis is worsening and it becomes dangerous or even deadly for humans themselves. Action must be taken to ensure the right to a healthy and sustainable environment, which means the right to breath fresh air, to have access to sustainably produced food and access to clean water. A guarantee of non discrimination must not be forgotten as well - the right to a healthy and sustainable environment must be guaranteed to all the citizens of all countries and everyone must have an equal acess to it.

References:

[1] What are environmental rights? United Nations Environment Programme
[2] Climate change and health, World Health Organization, 2021
[3] Which countries are most threatened by and vulnerable to climate change? Iberdrola, 2020
[4] The right to a healthy environment: 6 things you need to know, United Nations, 2021
[5] Shelton, Dinah, "Human rights and the environment: what specific environmental rights have been recognized." Denver Journal of International Law and Policy 35 (2006): 129-171.
[6] Recognizing the human right to a healthy environment, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Environment, 2021
[7] Why destroying the planet is bad for human health and what we can do about it, Rosie Frost, Euronews.green, 2020
[8] Air pollution causes 800,000 extra deaths a year in Europe and 8.8 million worldwide, European Society of Cardiology, European Heart Journal, 2019
[9] COVID-19 Stimulus Measures Must Save Lives, Protect Livelihoods, and Safeguard Nature to Reduce the Risk of Future Pandemics, Josef Settele, Sandra Díaz, Eduardo Brondizio, Dr. Peter Daszak, The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, 2020
[10] Water and the global climate crisis: 10 things you should know, UNICEF, 2022

Technology prospects for climate change

Rugilė Zmitrevičiūtė

According to The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scientists, global temperatures will continue to rise, possibly even up by 12,2 celsius over the next century. [nasa] Climate change is threatening because it is affecting the most essential resources for people and wildlife - such as access to fresh water and air, food production, and habitable ambient temperature. Human activities remain the main reason for climate change and its pace. [1] However, what technological progress started to destroy it might fix as well. As we all know such technological achievements as electric cars, renewable energy resources, etc. this article reviews other interesting and extraordinary technological innovations that might help to tackle climate change.

Methane-free food industry. As grazing animals create a third of methane emissions (which are 85 times more heat-trapping than CO2) action for climate change might as well start with cows. U.K. based company has invented a halter that monitors methane exhaust, and zaps it with a catalyst, creating water and less-harmful CO2. It is expected that the device can lower methane emissions created by cows by 50%. [2]

Giant vacuum cleaners freshen the air. As concentrations of carbon dioxide are shockingly increasing, direct air capture (DAC) technology might be a solution. Giant vacuum cleaners remove CO2 straight from the atmosphere, directing it underground. An interesting fact is that it might be re-used - for example, it can be used as a fertilizer in farms or for carbonation of drinks. [3]

Carbon emissions-free traveling. Electric cars are already in the market, however, technology does not stop there. The future with electric planes is near and it is much needed as airplanes contribute to about 2% of the world’s carbon emissions. First world’s fully electric commercial aircraft took off in 2019 from Vancouver, Canada. [4] Maritime shipping emissions are even bigger and contribute to 2.5% of global carbon emissions. Here technology offers hydrogen ships, which create energy from hydrogen gas and release only water. It is expected that the first hydrogen ferry will connect Oslo and Copenhagen by 2027 and save 64,000 tons of CO2 annually. [5]

Clean oceans - mission (im)possible. The Netherlands-based nonprofit engineering environmental organization has created a new technology to remove plastic waste from the ocean. The new technology involves plastic interceptors, which are solar-powered barriers and conveyor systems that use river currents to pull plastic into containers. The Ocean Cleanup project expects to be able to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040. [6]

Save the bees - save the planet. Climate change is one of the reasons why the bee population is declining. Bees are essential for food supply chains as they not only produce honey but also pollinate crops, fruits, and vegetables. Luckily there is a technological solution to save bees. Many companies from Ireland to Israel are launching sensors that track the state of hives and help beekeepers to save the bee population. [7]

As global warming remains a very serious issue it is important to use complex technological advancements that would tackle main industries and issues deteriorating the planet. Hopefully, humanity has the potential to repair what it has destroyed.

References:

[1]The Effects of Climate Change, NASA. [2]New Tech to Tackle the Climate Crisis, Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stones, 2021.
[3]Can tech help fight climate change? Five innovations making a difference today, Ryan Loftus, Secure Futures. [4]The world’s first fully electric commercial aircraft has taken to the skies, Tom Austin-Morgan, Eureka, 2020. [5]New Tech to Tackle the Climate Crisis, Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stones, 2021.
[6]New Technology Being Used to Remove Large Amounts of Ocean Plastic, Abigail Jane, One Green Planet, 2021. [7]How smart tech could help save the world's honey bees, Adrian Lydon, CNN Business, 2020.

The connection between human rights and climate change

Aistė Zakarauskaitė

Climate change is often perceived as an ecological problem, while human rights are described as universal legal guarantees that protect individuals, groups, and peoples against actions and omissions that interfere with their fundamental freedoms and entitlements [2]. It can be often difficult to link these concepts due to their different meanings. However, climate change can also have different social, economic, and public health impacts on people, which connects it to human rights [1].

The right to life. One of the main human rights is the right to life and climate change poses a threat to human life. Drought, increased heat, expanding disease vectors are impacting the quality of life and health [2]. Lack of clean water and safe food are also affecting people’s health. According to a report by the Climate Vulnerable Forum and DARA International, climate change is already responsible for approximately 400,000 deaths per year [3]. The World Health Organization addresses that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, and heat stress [4]. Usually, developing countries are mostly affected by climate change. According to the Fifth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, “People who are socially, economically, culturally, politically, institutionally or otherwise marginalized are especially vulnerable to climate change and also to some adaptation and mitigation responses” [5]. However, climate change impacts everyone's life one way or the other and may impact the right to health or even life. Therefore, action is needed to ensure these human rights.

The right to health. As it was mentioned, climate change affects everyone's right to health. According to a World Bank report, “Climate change causes health impacts that are likely to increase and be exacerbated by high rates of malnutrition. Including potential increases in vector-borne diseases and heat-amplified levels of smog that could exacerbate respiratory disorders” [2]. It's important to stress that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mentions the importance of the right to physical and mental health, hence, all states must take appropriate action.

The right to self-determination. Another main human right is self-determination. Every state must respect the right to self-determination of all people and ensure that they have the necessary resources to provide for themselves [2]. But climate change poses a threat to people’s ways of life and livelihoods, as well as to the survival of entire nations. According to United Nations Special Rapporteurs, “Climate change challenges the ability of people on small island states to continue to live on their traditional territory and to enjoy and exercise their right to self-determination” [6]. Indigenous people’s self-determination rights are in danger due to global warming and sea-level rise because they might not have a choice to continue living in their traditional areas. Therefore, the risk of self-determination raises a challenge to people's right to housing.

The right to housing. Climate change threatens the right to housing in many ways. Extreme weather events can destroy homes displacing multitudes of people. Drought, erosion, and flooding can gradually render territories inhabitable resulting in displacement and migration. Sea level rise threatens the very land upon which houses in low-lying areas are situated [2]. Everyone's right to housing and determination where to live is at risk due to climate change.

The right to safe food and clean water. Everyone should have access to safe food and clean water. However, climate change negatively affects these fundamental human rights. According to Ana Maria Suarez Franco, a permanent representative in Geneva for food first information and action network (FIAN), “Extreme events, including droughts and floods, the salinization of water used for irrigation, desertification, water shortages are affecting the availability of food in the country and cities” [2]. Water availability is also threatened by climate change. According to a World Bank report, “A 2-degree Celsius average global increase in temperature may result in 1 to 2 billion no longer having enough water to meet their needs” [2]. Global warming will continue to affect water availability putting in danger people’s right to health and life.

Climate change affects many human rights, endangering people’s living conditions and threatening people’s survival. It is worth mentioning that it also negatively impacts such human rights as the right to development, education, meaningful and informed participation. Reduced access to needed resources is a threat to ensuring equality and non-discrimination. Therefore, the effects of climate change threaten all the people on the planet and their rights.

References:

[1]What is “climate justice”? (2020). Read more: [2]Understanding Human Rights and Climate Change. (2015). Read more: [3]Climate vulnerability monitor. (2012). Read more: [4]Climate change and health. (2021). Read more: [5]AR5 Synthesis Report: Climate Change. (2014). Read more: [6]The Effects of Climate Change on the Full Enjoyment of Human Rights. (2015). Read more:

Mitigating climate change

Rugilė Zmitrevičiūtė

Even though scientists constantly warn the public and officials about the dangers of climate change, not enough action is taken to avoid drastic consequences. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration emphasizes that reducing and stabilizing the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere is a key to mitigating climate change. The aim of climate change mitigation is to prevent human intervention in the climate system and stabilize difficult situations caused by rapid climate change over a period sufficient for ecosystems to naturally adapt to climate change. [1] The current situation is extremely serious. For now 1179 tons of carbon dioxide is being released to the atmosphere every second and this number is still rising. For decades, the climate sensitivity ranged between 1.5°C and 4.5°C and now it is up to 2.5°C and 4°C. [2] Everyone is adding up to this crisis, therefore it is time to change our habits and choose wisely. This article will look at ways to reduce climate change at the individual and community level.

What can we all do to mitigate climate change?

CO2 is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect, so it is vital to limit the use of fossil fuels in daily lives and replace them with renewable and cleaner energy sources such as solar panels, wind farms, etc. Although fossil fuel usage has been growing in emerging economies over the past decade, there is good news as well. Since 1971 global dependence on fossil fuels has declined significantly and this trend is likely to continue as countries switch to renewable energy. [3] For example, Morocco has built the largest solar power plant in the world and Denmark has set a world record for generating more than half of all its electricity from wind farms. [4] The Baltic States are also working towards climate change mitigation. For example Lithuania does not produce much greenhouse gas emissions as it is ranked 96th in the world by mentioned emissions. [5] It is expected that the country will continue to improve as it is complying with EU standards and set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% (compared to 1990) till 2030. [6] Estonia’s government also puts climate change as a priority and promised to phase out oil shale electricity production in Estonia by 2035. [7]

Of course, renewable energy is quite expensive, therefore, not accessible to everyone. However, people often underestimate their ability to change the world. Personal choices can mean a lot, especially when they become a habit. What can each of us do differently to mitigate climate change?

Community level actions

Use your voice and civil rights. Politicians are responsible for decisions that will either help or demolish mitigation of climate change. Even small decisions regarding green spaces, city infrastructure or transport laws have a huge impact. Therefore, it is important to exercise your civil rights – sign petitions, protest, participate in demonstrations and vote for politicians, who implement policies related to climate change.

Take action and encourage others. Community has a critical role in climate change mitigation. It is important to participate or organize events and initiatives related to climate change. For example, an environmental club in one of Massachusetts high schools set out to decrease their local community’s consumption of single-use plastics. After two years of consistent civil action their project succeeded. The Town of Lincoln and Sudbury approved the plastic bottle and bag reduction bylaws, becoming the third and fourth Massachusetts communities to ban single-use plastic bottles and joining the growing ranks of more than four dozen that had banned the free distribution of single-use plastic bags. [8] Climate activists and their actions create a buzz and raise awareness in the media and society, therefore politicians tend to pay attention to the agenda activists are setting.

Strong community is the key. Scientists’ evidence shows that usage of renewable energy sources, changes in transportation and diets can reduce the carbon footprint by 24%, 11%, and 7%, respectively. It is necessary to stress that bottom-up initiatives present many positive dimensions besides climate change mitigation. Such initiatives can also improve community’s resilience by strengthening local economies and enhancing social cohesion. [9]

Individual choice means a lot

Choose wisely as a consumer. Adapt your choices regarding food, clothes, and other goods for the sake of the planet. The fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity’s carbon emissions. It is also the world’s second largest industry, consuming water supply, [10] consequently people’s choices in fashion matter greatly. Choosing local, sustainable brands or thrifting can make a huge difference. Another harmful industry is meat production - it makes up more than 14% of all human-made greenhouse gasses, including methane, which is up to 34 times more damaging to the environment. [11] Choosing plant-based food is not only beneficial for your health but also for the environment.

Change your every-day habits. Leave your car (if you have one) at home and travel by more environmentally friendly transport options. For example, by choosing public transport you can save 30% of carbon dioxide emissions produced by your household. [12] Also, save energy by always switching off the lights when you do not need them and appliances you do not use. If it is possible, go further – choose energy saving appliances and renewable energy sources. Small, every-day habits can mean a lot while trying to mitigate climate change.

All in all, while a huge part of responsibility lies on the shoulders of the government and businesses, people as a community and as individuals can make a tremendous change by using their voice and thoroughly changing their habits.

References:

[1]Responding to Climate Change, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
[2]What’s the worst that could happen?, U.Irfan, Vox, 2021.
[3]Fossil Fuel Dependency By Country, J. Dillinger, WorldAtlas, 2017.
[4]11 countries leading the charge on renewable energy, Climate Council, 2019
[5]ŠESD mažinimas Lietuvoje, Klimato kaita, 2021.
[6]Lietuvos respublikos Nacionalinis energetikos ir klimato srities veiksmų planas 2021-2030m.
[7]Estonia’s new government has made climate topics its priority, H.Saarniit, SEI, 2021.
[8]Burke, Eleanor, et al. "Teen activism leads to local laws banning single-use plastics: a two-year experiential learning journey." Sustainable Earth 3.1 (2020): 1-14.
[9]Landholm, David M., et al. "Climate change mitigation potential of community-based initiatives in Europe." Regional Environmental Change 19.4 (2019): 927-938
[10]Fast Fashion and its Environmental Impacts, BCHS Environmental Club Newsletter, 2021.
[11]Climate change: Do I need to stop eating meat?, BBC News, 2021.
[12]Environmental Benefits of Public Transit, KCATA.

Climate justice

Aistė Zakarauskaitė

Climate justice is closely related to climate change and its consequences. Climate justice describes a concept that acknowledges climate change can have differing social, economic, public health, and other adverse impacts on underprivileged populations [1]. It is determined by human activity and the effects are already being felt by plants, animals and of course people across the globe. Accordingly, the impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed throughout the planet. The developing countries, particularly those whose economies are dependent on agriculture, are most affected despite having contributed least to climate change [2].

The term “justice” is generally understood as something right, fair, or appropriate. This means that the developing countries and people should be supported by those who have affected climate change the most. Industrialization and the burning of fossil fuel oil, coal and natural gas have determined the most to climate change causing the greenhouse effect [3]. Therefore, industrialized and developing countries should join forces to ensure the physical, economic, social, and environmental well-being of all people.

Principles of climate justice

According to Mary Robinson Foundation, “Climate justice links human rights and development to achieve a human-centred approach, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable people and sharing the burdens and benefits of climate change and its impacts equitably and fairly.” [4]. It is observed that low-income communities, people of colour, indigenous people, people with disabilities, older or very young people, women - all can be more susceptible to risks posed by climate impacts like raging storms and floods, increasing wildfire, severe heat, poor air quality, inequality, access to clean water and safe food [1]. These groups are the most vulnerable in society, therefore climate justice includes human rights and social inequality to ensure equal opportunities.

Challenges of climate justice in partner countries - Denmark and Estonia

For a long time, the main challenge for Denmark has been air, river, and lake pollution, which threatened water quality and citizens health [6]. However, according to the Climate Action organization, “Since the 1970s, Denmark has managed to readjust its energy model from being highly dependent on imported oil, to being one of the greenest and most energy-efficient countries in the world. By 2050, Denmark aims to be independent of fossil fuels.” [6]. This means that Denmark aims to contribute to reducing global warming, secure a high standard of living and sustain economic growth. 2021-2022 EIB Climate Survey showed that 53% of the Danish population thinks that Denmark will succeed in drastically reducing its carbon emissions by 2050 [7]. Just over half of the Danish population are positive about climate change mitigation and the achievement of climate justice.

Although Estonia is the smallest country in the Baltic States, it faces several challenges related to climate change and the achievement of climate justice. According to the campaign of Climate Justice for All, “Estonia has always been a cold country and farmers have adapted to winter or cold-resistant types of crops, this year many crops are dying due to lack of precipitation. Food security is already threatened due to these climate changes.” [5]. Unsafe food is a public health challenge linked to global warming and drought. Estonia is also facing more challenges such as hazards of water quality from waste that is released into rivers, sea-level rise, heat waves, the spread of alien species, including new plant pests and pathogenic agents, and so on. Therefore, it is essential to pursue climate justice and mitigate the effects of climate change in Estonia, providing people with a safe environment.

In Lithuania, the concept of climate justice is still new. However, more and more people are paying attention to climate change, its consequences in their everyday (social, health, etc.) life, contributing to sorting and nature conservation. The concept of a sustainable environment is gaining popularity and small businesses selling sustainable items are gaining more visibility. Organizations are encouraged to pursue projects related to climate justice and public awareness. Nevertheless, people in Lithuania still lack knowledge about climate justice, hence it is very important to raise awareness of this concept.

Achievement of climate justice

According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it is important that industrialized countries must first and foremost take domestic action against climate change and are obliged to assist developing countries in adapting to climate change through capacity building and technology transfer [8]. Three suggestions were provided for industrialized countries:

to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels that will prevent dangerous human-induced interference with the climate system;
to provide short and long-term climate finance to help the most vulnerable countries adapt to climate impacts as well as pursue low carbon development strategies;
to ensure capacity building and needed technology transfer (such as salt-resistant crops, clean energy solutions and so on) to help the most vulnerable become more resilient to climate change.

These proposals are important for achieving climate justice and equality between people from different backgrounds, providing security and appropriate living conditions. It is also important to keep in mind the cooperation that includes the voices of all those who are being affected by climate change because climate change is affecting people differently across the globe. Therefore it is essential to discuss the needs of each country in terms of climate change and to ensure climate justice. That being the case, it's necessary to analyze the connection between climate justice and human rights.

References:

[1]What is “climate justice”? 2020. Read more.
[2]The Geography of Climate Justice, 2011. Read more.
[3]Kas yra klimato kaita? 2020. Read more.
[4]Mary Robinson Foundation, 2020. Read more.
[5]Climate Change in Estonia, 2021. Read more.
[6]A Danish solution to a global challenge? 2015. Read more.
[7]2021-2022 EIB Climate Survey results. Read more.
[8]United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992. Read more.

Climate change

Sandra Matoškaitė

Climate change is caused by global warming. Throughout history warm periods were replaced by ice ages and ice ages were replaced by warm periods - such cycles always lasted for tens of thousands or millions of years [1]. However, over the last 150 years (period of industrialization), the average temperature has risen faster than ever [1]. Since the industrial revolution, humans have released huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is one of the main causes of global warming and accordingly - climate change.

According to Amnesty International, “It has become clear that humanity has caused most of the last century’s warming by releasing heat-trapping gases-commonly referred to as greenhouse gases - to power our modern lives.“ [2] It is important to understand that climate change is mostly driven by the burning of fossil fuels - oil, coal, and natural gas - which emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Other human activities, such as agriculture and deforestation, also contribute to the increase [1]. It is worth noting that the greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon, which warms up the Earth and makes it possible for us to live on this planet. However, this phenomenon can be affected by the abovementioned human activity. As it is written in Britannica’s article, this could result in altering Earth’s climates and thereby producing new patterns and extremes of drought and rainfall and possibly disrupting food production in certain regions. [3] Effects of climate change may be devastating. They can include rising temperature, lengthened frost-free season (and growing season), changes in precipitation patterns. We can also expect more droughts and heatwaves. Hurricanes will become stronger and more intense, sea level will rise 1-8 feet by 2100. The Arctic is likely to become ice-free [4]. Therefore, it is clear that the consequences of climate change are critical to our well-being and even survival.

But what can we do in order to tackle climate change? It is advantageous to take action in your communities! Want to know more? Join an online webinar “Identifying common issues of climate justice in Nordic-Baltic region” that will take place on 19th of January, 2022 at 15:00 EET. Duration of the webinar - 3 hours. You will have the opportunity to receive knowledge from experts regarding the topic of climate justice in the Northern European region. Together we will review the situation regarding climate change in our region. We will share experiences related to climate justice and learn what each of us can do in order to change the current situation. Furthermore, we will dive deeper into the future activities of the project "Youth for Climate justice!".

This article is a part of the project “Youth for Climate change!” which is implemented by Global Citizens‘ Academy (Lithuania) together with “Stebėk teises” (Lithuania), Peace Action (Estonia), Crossing Borders (Denmark). This publication has been produced with financial support from the Nordic Council of Ministers. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the coordinators of this project and does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

References:

[1] Kas yra klimato kaita? 2020.
[2] Climate change, 2021.
[3] Greenhouse effect.
[4] The Effects of Climate Change.

Climate justice activism

Sandra Matoškaitė

Activism is the use of direct and noticeable action to achieve a result, usually a political or social one [1]. According to Hans Peter Schmitz, “Non-state actors (NSAs) play an increasingly important role in the global promotion and local implementation of human rights standards.“[2] For instance, NGOs are mobilizing activists all over the world in order to achieve climate justice.

Based on the information provided by Amnesty International “Millions of people are already suffering from the catastrophic effects of extreme disasters exacerbated by climate change – from prolonged drought in sub-Saharan Africa to devastating tropical storms sweeping across Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. In 2021, scorching temperatures caused deadly heatwaves in Canada and Pakistan and set off wildfires in Greece and Siberia. There was severe flooding in Germany and China, while in Madagascar, a particularly prolonged and intense drought has driven 1 million people to the brink of what is being described as the world’s first “climate change-induced famine”.“[3] Thus, climate activism is of crucial importance. A climate activist is a person who actively campaigns for climate change to be recognized as an issue.

It is explained that “activism including climate strikes have become a common occurrence around the world, it is important to consider the growth in climate change-focused activism and participation in social movements as a specific type of civic engagement.” [4] For instance, tens of thousands of protesters marched through Glasgow over the UN Climate change conference (COP26) weekend this year. There were slogans such as “COP26 Act Now!”, “We Need Action Not Promises”, people demanded for systematic changes. Activists from all over the world sent messages to the climate negotiators. It is argued that actions should be made in order to tackle the climate crisis.

Want to know more? Join an online webinar “Identifying common issues of climate justice in Nordic-Baltic region” that will take place on 19th of January, 2022 at 15:00 EET. Duration of the webinar - 3 hours. You will have the opportunity to receive knowledge from experts regarding the topic of climate justice in the Northern European region. Together we will review the situation regarding climate change in our region. We will share experiences related to climate justice and learn what each of us can do in order to change the current situation. Furthermore, we will dive deeper into the future activities of the project "Youth for Climate justice!".

[1] Meaning of activism, Cambridge dictionary.
[2] Non-State Actors in Human Rights Promotion, Hans Peter Schmitz, The SAGE Handbook of Human Rights, 2014.
[3] Climate change, 2021.
[4] Climate activism and its effects, 2020.