Restoring earth’s right to ‘good health’

Context:

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.