Climate Change and Human Rights

The debate about climate change is one that has been going on for years. However, the UN recently has decided to frame the issue as one of global security. While many living in first-world nations tend to not see climate change as a pressing matter, those in other parts of the world are currently dealing with the effects many deem as “future.”

The problem lies in the definition of security. If one deems global security as strictly including warfare, then the labeling of climate change as a matter of global security is a controversial one. However, the UN references famine, disease, flooding, competition for food, water, and energy, and economic disruption not seen since the end of WWII as just some of the impacts of climate change. 

Perhaps the issue is more clear in the case of Somalia. A joint NUPI - SIPRI study found that Somalia is highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change which worsen Somalia’s existing vulnerabilities. These climate exacerbated insecurities have led to increased displacement and community tensions. 

Equally as concerning as the natural impacts of climate change are those who take advantage of others’ unfortunate situations. Those who are displaced by climate changes and insecurity are easy potential recruits for terrorist organizations. Those terrorist organizations, like Al Shabaab in Somalia, pose as service and relief providers following natural disasters like droughts and floods. Additionally, elites may use their advantaged situation to gain influence and favor over those going without due to climate issues. 

All of this led to the UN calling climate change an issue of national and global security. However, some believe that this is the wrong way to deal with the situation. Maryam Jamshidi from the University of Florida Law states that The Climate Crisis is a Human Security, Not a National Security, Issue. She furthers that “Human security realizes the benefits of securitization while lessening its costs. It does so by focusing on people, rather than the state, and emphasizing sustainable development policies necessary to mitigate, rather than just acclimate to, climate change.” 

It is important to note that not all countries are impacted equally by climate issues. The entire continent of Africa only contributes to about 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions but is at the most severe risk from climate change. This is why the UN’s decisions were so impactful. If countries deal with climate change situations on their own, it is unlikely that anything will be done for those in countries like those in Africa. “Beset by poverty, AIDS and other challenges, African countries may lack the resources to address these emerging and expected climate change impacts.” What is failed to be mentioned is that there is little that African countries could do other than simply “treating the symptoms,” when the sickness is coming from the much larger countries, dealing with much less of the cost.