Climate Justice: International Responsibility and Humanitarian Challenges
Collaboration between:
Arab European Forum for Dialogue and Human Rights
Jusoor International for Media and Development
July 4, 2023
Side event – Human Rights Council 53rd Session
Geneva, Switzerland – July 4, 2023 – Jusoor International for Media and Development, a leading organization in developing positive practices related to media and human development participated in a highly impactful panel discussion held at the prestigious United Nations palace yesterday. The panel talk, titled Climate Justice: International Responsibility and Humanitarian Challenges, brought together distinguished experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to address critical issues related to climate justice.
During the engaging session, panelists provided invaluable insights and shared innovative perspectives on:
- Introducing the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change and the obligations of states and all parties to it.
- Introducing the importance of the Paris climate agreement in protecting the planet, achieving climate justice, and improving the quality of life.
- Introducing the importance of the climate conference in framing the international efforts on climate protection and achieving climate justice.
The esteemed panelists included:
- Mohamed Al Hammadi: The prominent journalist, media personality, and Chairman of Jusoor International for Media and Development. With a background in journalism and executive management, he has held key positions in media organizations and received recognition for his contributions, including awards for excellence in journalism and community service.
- Ayman Nasry
- Jayant Narayan, a leader in various Forum initiatives on AI and climate technologies, is currently spearheading efforts under the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With a background in electrical engineering and public policy, including experience in software engineering and policy issues related to environmental programs, Jayant brings a diverse skill set to his role. He has played a pivotal role in launching the Forum’s Global Lighthouse network and has contributed to the strategy and operations of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network, including C4IR India. Furthermore, Jayant is actively involved in UNESCO’s ethical recommendations on AI and the World Bank’s working group on Law and technology.
A brief summary on the key points discussed in the panel talk:
The issue of climate justice has emerged as a critical concern on the international agenda, recognizing the severe impact of climate change on the environment and the need to address its economic and social consequences. The global community has become increasingly aware of the human assault on nature and the comprehensive pollution that threatens the survival of all species. National policies alone may not be sufficient to tackle this issue, as it transcends political borders and affects countries and communities, especially the poor, in significant ways. Therefore, addressing climate change requires a focus on global justice, encompassing social, environmental, and climate justice.
The rapid technological progress and industrial development witnessed worldwide have led to increased extraction and combustion of non-renewable energy sources, resulting in multiplied risks and damages to the natural environment. The issue of climate justice has gained international attention over the past two decades as organizations like the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Program established structures to address climate change. Efforts have focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and sulfur, primarily emitted from non-clean energy sources. The concentration of these gases in the atmosphere has exceeded natural levels, causing global warming and posing threats due to their toxicity and ability to trap heat.
An unfortunate reality is that the consequences of climate change disproportionately affect the poor, who contribute minimally to greenhouse gas emissions. Wealthier populations, responsible for a significant portion of emissions, escape the brunt of its effects. The urgent need to address climate change and achieve climate justice necessitates integrating human rights into the discussion. The emergence of the third generation of human rights, which includes the right to live in a clean environment and sustainable development, highlights the ethical dimensions of the issue. Achieving climate justice requires a comprehensive approach, including equitable technology distribution, reevaluating growth measurements to account for climate costs, transparent management of funds, and holding parties accountable for damages. Global cooperation, separate from political interests, is vital for effective climate action and ensuring a sustainable future.
The engaging conversation underscored the urgency of collective action and the need for sustainable, equitable, and inclusive solutions. Attendees were captivated by the panelists’ thought leadership and appreciated the opportunity to deepen their understanding of what and how civil society can contribute to finding solutions to this worldwide crisis.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Rouba Doueihy
Program Development Manager
Jusoor International for Media and Development
+41 78 724 41 33
info@jusoor.ch
www.jusoor.ch
