Climate Change and the Right to Life: An Intersectional Analysis of the Impacts of Climate Change on the Right to Life and the Role of Human Rights Mechanisms in Climate Change Action

Abstract

The right to life is a universally recognized fundamental human right guaranteed by international, regional and national laws. This right is dependent on the availability of certain standards and components, most of which also qualify as human rights such as food and water. The effect of climate change on natural and human systems extends to the exercise and enjoyment of the right to life. This thesis evaluates the adverse impacts of climate change posing direct and indirect threats to the right to life. Due to implications of climate change for human rights and drastic future projections, the human rights obligations of states become relevant in terms of accountability and action. The trend, prospect and necessity of this integration is also evaluated in the thesis. Under the international law, states have certain commitments and obligations with respect to both climate change and human rights. Prevailing climate change commitments of states are not sufficient to tackle risks posed by climate change to human rights. Human rights including the right to life, imply that states should take adequate measures for protecting these rights against the drastic impacts of climate change. The present situation necessitates effective substantive and procedural rules made by states under their human rights obligations.