For Humanity, Ignoring the Climate Emergency is No Longer an Option’ — Global Issues
THE HAGUE, Dec 10 (IPS) – If lives and livelihoods must be protected, if we want to avoid a major disaster, there is no time to lose. As has been said many times, we are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change, and arguably the last generation to do something about it.—Mansoor Usman Awan, Attorney General of Pakistan at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ), whether the country had high Himalayas, was a small island nation or was in conflict weapons, all agreed that the principle of due diligence and the responsibility of states to prevent damage caused by climate. change, especially in high greenhouse gases, was non-negotiable.
On Monday, 9 December 2024, countries including Nepal, Pakistan, Nauru, New Zealand and the State of Palestine presented their cases before the highest court of the United Nations.
Countries within the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region, Nepal and Pakistan, include examples of disasters in recent years, including severe floods and their impact on livelihoods, while the small island of Nauru is putting its population at risk of rising sea levels. The State of Palestine has linked its request to the ongoing armed conflict and the destruction of the climate and environment.
At the request of Vanuatu, the UN General Assembly asked the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion on the obligations of UN member states in preventing climate change and ensuring environmental protection for current and future generations. Although its advisory opinion will not be effective, the court will advise on the legal consequences for the member states that have caused the most damage, especially for small developing countries. So far more than 70 countries have presented their case to the court.
Transfer of Human Rights and Technology—Nepal
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Arzu Rana Deuba, emphasized that disasters caused by climate change affect the rights of people in the frontline and said that countries responsible for emissions need to fulfill their obligations.
“Climate change interferes with the realization and enjoyment of human rights, including the right to life, the right to food, the right to health, the right to adequate housing, sanitation and water,” said Deuba. “Furthermore, it affects the rights of women, children and people with disabilities, as well as the cultural rights of minorities and indigenous communities.”
Nepal claims that many vulnerable states have failed to meet obligations under international human rights laws, as actions and gas emissions from beyond their territory have also had adverse effects on the human rights of their citizens. Mountain country, including Mt. Everest, emphasized the need for material, technical and financial support from countries whose historical emissions have caused the difficulties of anthropogenic climate change.
“This includes seamless access to technology and sharing of weather and snow data,” Deuba said. “Nepal considers that the advisory opinion of the court will have an impact on the clarification of the law, especially the obligations of the states regarding climate change and the laws governing the consequences of the violation of these obligations.”
Suvanga Parajuli, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal, added that the country is facing a terrible injustice. “What countries like Nepal are asking for is not just handouts but real climate justice,” said Parajuli.
Court Opinion Can Help Avert Disaster—Pakistan
Another country in the HKH region, Pakistan, which faced devastating floods caused by climate change in 2022, emphasized the need for support and information sharing. Mansoor Usman Awan, Attorney General of Pakistan, urged the court to issue an opinion clarifying the legal obligations of states to prevent, avoid, reduce, or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“If lives and livelihoods must be protected, if we want to avoid disaster, there is no time to lose. As has often been said, we are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change, and arguably the last generation to do something about it.”
Awan continued, “For the human race, ignoring emergencies is no longer an option.”
Facing a Real Threat—Nauru
The island nation of Nauru says climate change poses an existential threat to its security and well-being, highlighting the impact of rising sea levels, coastal erosion and drought at the UN court.
The island is only 21 km2 (8.1 sq mi), an oval-shaped island in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
Nauru’s representative Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, emphasized the obligations of governments in relation to climate change to be obligations found in the principles of general international law.
“We urge this court to clarify the scope of the states’ existing responsibilities regarding climate change,” said Angimea. “Not anymore, but certainly, we want your assurance that the law protects the vulnerable and that our basic rights under international law – to exist, to prosper, to protect our land – are supported and respected.”
He urged the court to give an advisory opinion that reflects “the urgency, dignity and right of all people to live in safety.”
The vulnerability of island nations was at the center of New Zealand’s debates. The representative of Pacific Island countries, Victoria Hallum, Deputy Secretary of the Multilateral and Legal Affairs Group at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand, emphasized the urgent need to address anthropogenic climate change. It said climate change is the single biggest threat to Pacific Island regions.
Armed Conflict and Climate Change Are Linked—Palestine
The State of Palestine has highlighted the intersection of climate change and international law, particularly the implications of conflict and militarism.
Palestine positioned itself as an important participant in the proceedings and referred to the ICJ’s advisory opinion on nuclear weapons to support its argument on the relationship between environmental protection and international law in armed conflict.
At the ICJ hearing, Ammar Hijazi, the Palestinian Ambassador to the International Organizations in The Hague, linked the relationship between climate change and gas emissions during the armed conflict.
“The State of Palestine is responsible for less than 0.001% of greenhouse gas emissions. “However, Palestine is now facing unprecedented severe weather conditions, mainly due to Israeli occupation and policies and procedures,” said Hijazi. “The Israeli occupation is undermining our ability to support climate policy. As part of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, Palestine is committed to reducing 17.5 percent of its GHG emissions by 2040, where our goal could be 26.6 percent if Israel ends.”
Palestine argued that the court should not miss the opportunity to address the relationship, responsibility and human rights in the context of armed conflict and climate change in a historic opinion that it will issue at the end of these advisory processes. “This will fulfill the promise of leaving no one behind and ensuring that the law applies to all,” said Hijazi.
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© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
