Mary Robinson reacts to the publication of IPCC AR5 WGII
I welcome the initiative of the IPCC in publishing a report that highlights the impacts of climate change on people. Climate change is not just an issue of atmospheric science; it is also about human rights. The report of Working Group 2 of the IPCC on Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation highlights the current and future impacts of climate change on people; the impacts it describes undermine human rights, including the right to food, to health, to water, and to shelter.
The report clarifies that while people all over the world are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the poor and marginalised are the most vulnerable. With this in mind, I believe that the world needs to respond with a climate justice approach to shape a global response that is rights-based in its actions to lower emissions and build resilience.
If we act now, it will cost less than confronting the increasingly significant impacts of climate change on all aspects of life – affecting everything from the costs of food and insurance to the costs associated with extreme events. If we act now, we will have something of value to pass on to future generations. If we want our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to have the same opportunities as us, we have a responsibility to act now to make sure we pass on to them a liveable planet.
Related Links
Declaration on Climate Justice
Our Work: Equity and Climate Justice
Media Coverage
‘Nobody on this planet’ will be untouched by climate change – IPCC head – Reuters Alertnet
Mary Robinson quoted in report outlining reactions to the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 2 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.