Daily Current Affairs : 2-October-2023
In a groundbreaking move, six young individuals from Portugal, aged between 11 and 24, have taken a bold step by suing 32 European governments, including major nations like the U.K., Russia, and Turkey, at the European Court of Human Rights. Their argument is powerful: these governments have failed in their duty to combat the climate crisis effectively, thereby violating the human rights of their citizens, particularly the younger generation.
The Urgency of Climate Crisis: Catastrophic Impacts
Recent devastating heatwaves and fires in Greece, Canada, and various parts of Europe have sounded a global alarm. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that crossing the 1.5°C temperature threshold will lead to catastrophic consequences, intensifying multiple hazards simultaneously. This crisis demands immediate attention, as these events threaten not only lives but also the fundamental rights enshrined under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Violation of Fundamental Rights: The Legal Standpoint
The young plaintiffs argue that the European nations have fallen short of their climate emission targets, breaching global carbon budgets aligned with the Paris Agreement’s objective to limit global warming to under 1.5°C. This violation, they claim, infringes upon several fundamental rights, including:
- Right to Life: Every individual’s right to a life free from direct threats caused by climate change.
- Freedom from Inhuman Treatment: Protection against degrading treatment arising from environmental hazards.
- Right to Privacy and Family Life: Ensuring a secure and stable environment for families amidst climate-related disruptions.
- Freedom from Discrimination: Preventing discrimination based on the disproportionate impact of climate change on certain communities.
Demands for Urgent Action: A Comprehensive Approach
To rectify these violations, nations must promptly escalate their emissions reduction efforts. Possible solutions include:
- Rapid Emissions Reduction: Nations should aim for a 75% reduction below 1990 emission levels, surpassing the EU’s current 55% target.
- Cutting Fossil Fuel Production: Decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, a major contributor to emissions.
- Global Supply Chain Cleanup: Implementing measures to ensure cleaner global supply chains, reducing environmental impact.
The Impact on Children: Insights from UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency dedicated to children’s well-being, has declared the climate crisis a “child rights crisis.” Unabated carbon emissions and extreme weather conditions jeopardize vital aspects of children’s lives, including:
- Education: Disruptions caused by climate-related events hinder access to education.
- Health and Nutrition: Air pollution and extreme weather patterns pose severe health risks, impacting children’s overall well-being.
- Mental Health: Heatwaves and environmental disasters contribute to mental health issues, affecting children’s emotional and psychological states.
Challenging Denial: Addressing Climate Impact Denialism
Some countries, including Greece and Portugal, have dismissed the immediate threat posed by climate change, despite evidence from recent wildfires and floods. Addressing this denialism is crucial in formulating effective policies and interventions.
Important Points:
- Six young individuals from Portugal are suing 32 European governments at the European Court of Human Rights, claiming these governments have failed to combat the climate crisis effectively, violating their human rights and discriminating against young people globally.
- Recent heatwaves and fires in Greece, Canada, and Europe emphasize the catastrophic consequences of crossing the 1.5°C temperature threshold, intensifying multiple hazards simultaneously.
- European nations have exceeded their climate emission goals, breaching global carbon budgets aligned with the Paris Agreement’s objective to limit global warming to under 1.5°C.
- Violations of fundamental rights include the right to life, freedom from inhuman treatment, right to privacy and family life, and freedom from discrimination.
- Urgent actions required include rapid emissions reduction, cutting fossil fuel production, and cleaning up global supply chains.
- The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change suggests a 75% reduction below 1990 emission levels to address the crisis effectively.
- UNICEF labels the climate crisis a “child rights crisis,” impacting children’s education, health, nutrition, and mental well-being.
- Denialism regarding climate change impacts hampers effective policy formulation and intervention.
- Urgent, collective action is necessary to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Why In News
A group of six young individuals from Portugal, ranging in age from 11 to 24, has filed a lawsuit against 32 European governments, including the U.K., Russia, and Turkey, at the European Court of Human Rights. They contend that these governments have neglected to adequately address the climate crisis, thereby infringing upon their human rights and discriminating against young people worldwide.
MCQs about Climate Crisis and Human Rights
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What is the main claim of the six young individuals suing 32 European governments at the European Court of Human Rights?
A. They claim the governments have violated their human rights by not taking sufficient action against the climate crisis.
B. They claim the governments have failed to provide adequate healthcare facilities during climate-related disasters.
C. They claim the governments have imposed unfair taxes related to climate change.
D. They claim the governments have restricted their freedom of speech regarding climate issues.
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According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, what is the consequence of crossing the 1.5°C temperature threshold?
A. No significant impact on the environment.
B. Catastrophic consequences, intensifying multiple hazards simultaneously.
C. Mild increase in rainfall in affected regions.
D. Increase in agricultural productivity.
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What does UNICEF consider the climate crisis to be?
A. A political crisis.
B. An economic crisis.
C. A child rights crisis.
D. A technological crisis.
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What is the primary demand made in the essay regarding emissions reduction?
A. Maintain current emission levels.
B. Aim for a 55% reduction below 1990 levels.
C. Aim for a 75% reduction below 1990 levels.
D. Increase emissions to boost economic growth.
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