Former UN rights chief says ECHR decision shows that safe climate is a human right

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🗞️ Driving the news: Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and ex-President of Ireland, lauded a recent European Court of Human Rights ruling as groundbreaking, affirming that maintaining a safe climate is increasingly recognized as a human right 
• This ruling favored Swiss seniors over their government's inadequate protection against climate effects, although it dismissed similar claims by Portuguese youths and a French mayor on procedural grounds

🔭 The context: Robinson highlighted the decision's potential to open European nations to more legal actions for failing to shield their citizens from climate impacts 
• She reflected on her past oversight regarding climate issues during her political and UN careers, recognizing climate change as a rights issue only after working with African nonprofits

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The court's decision emphasizes the urgent need for all countries, particularly wealthy ones, to acknowledge and act on the severe and disparate impacts of climate change • This is crucial for advancing global climate justice and protecting vulnerable populations who bear the brunt of environmental disruptions

⏭️ What's next: With Brazil set to host upcoming international economic and climate negotiations, Robinson is optimistic about addressing global inequalities and sustainability 
• She advocates for systemic changes to combat the profound wealth and power disparities exacerbated by climate change

💬 One quote: "I think this is an interpretation of a reality, which is that people are suffering from climate shocks. Governments are still not taking seriously enough their responsibilities," (Mary Robinson, Former Irish President)

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