From the forced displacement to loss of human life and means of livelihood brought about by climate-related disasters, to threats to food security, public health, access to clean water and education, due to biodiversity loss (driven by unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and practices) and pollution (of air, water and soil); people across the planet earth, people are increasingly feeling the impacts of the Triple Planetary Crises of Climate Change, Pollution and Biodiversity Loss on their enjoyment of human rights guaranteed under international law.
This is the position of Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan as contained in a keynote paper he presented at the opening session of an International Conference orgnised by the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Norway Oslo.
The Keynote underscores the fact that a healthy Planet earth is necessary for the full enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to a dignified life, health, food, Sustainable development, housing, water and sanitation, access to Justice, information and participation.
However, evidence abound that the Triple Planetary Crises undermine the enjoyment and protection of human rights, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable people and local communities. They also act as threat multipliers, amplifying conflicts over Land and other natural resources, increasing food insecurity, structural inequalities and exacerbate poverty in developing economies.
Professor Ladan explained why there is paucity of climate cases in Africa, though there is a potential for increased climate litigation against governments for climate action, while exploring the role of human rights law in the Equitable and Just Transition to Renewable Energy penetration in the Energy mix that includes fossil fuels and renewable energy, aimed to ending energy poverty and energy deficit in Africa.
He emphasized that addressing the effects of the triple planetary crises on human rights, requires both multi-dimensional and innovative solutions / strategies, especially human rights-based strategic litigation (using treaty/constitutional / legislative, Judicial approaches) and civic action (using advocacy, lobbying, empowerment, education, dissemination, Community engagement, participation of stakeholders, information sharing, reporting on climate change, monitoring compliance, evaluation of strategies and plans of action, etc).
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