Amir Bi Parva
Researcher in International Human Rights
In the today world, global warming is very serious threat for all continents and countries. This threat is a direct result of climate change which has affected different dimensions of life. Human Rights as a universal concept presents different solutions for this crisis which include application of international binding instruments, recognition of the right to safe environment as a public right and creation of international global movement for decreasing production of pollutant gases.
First and foremost, international Human Rights instruments which have been signed and ratified by the international community would have a key role in the protection of environment. These documents are obligatory for all actors in the international community. For instance, international covenant on civil and political rights recognizes the right to life as a fundamental right for all humans and the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights recognizes thr right to health as a fundamental right for all. Global warming is in contrast with these binding rights and application of these rights would prevent global warming as a threat against the rights to life and health.
More significantly, during recent years, the right to safe environment has been recognized as mass Human Rights which protect humans and the environment against any threats. This right as the third generation of human rights prevents all threats against the environment which include global warming.
Most significantly, universal cooperation is necessary for decreasing pollutant gases which is possible through the participation of all members of the community. For instance, Paris accord provided a context for an effective participation in decreasing carbon dioxide and other toxic gases in 2016 but the Trumps administration withdrawal from the mentioned accord caused many challenges in the implementation of climate change agreement on decreasing pollutant gases. The participation of all members of the international community is the cornerstone for prevention of global warming.
Thus, international human Rights binding documents, recognition of the right to safe environment as a human right and cooperation of all stakeholders of international community would be effective on the prevention of global warming and climate change.