HUMAN RIGHTS IN A HEATING WORLD: LEGAL RESPONSES TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Abstract

Human rights are at the centre of the climate crisis because environmental degradation undermines the core conditions necessary for human life, dignity, equality, and development. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level intrusion, biodiversity collapse, and widespread displacement impose disproportionate harm on global South populations who have contributed least to greenhouse gas emissions. International legal frameworks increasingly recognise that climate change threatens rights including life, health, water, food, housing, and cultural identity. Recent legal developments, such as the United Nations’ recognition of the right to a clean and healthy environment, landmark climate litigation in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, and India’s expansion of Article 21 protections, signal the transition of climate change from a policy issue into a domain of enforceable legal obligation. Yet gaps persist in addressing climate-induced migration, corporate responsibility for emissions, and loss-and-damage reparations. This paper evaluates evolving global and Indian responses and argues that human rights law must be strengthened to achieve climate justice and protect both present and future generations.