Climate Change and Human Rights

Abstract

The master thesis examines the link between climate change and the realization of fundamental human rights. Through a range of legal acts, it analyses the gradual recognition of this link and its significance. The study addresses the adverse impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of several fundamental human rights, including the right to life, health and an adequate standard of living, as well as its impact on the rights of vulnerable groups. It also examines the emergence and development of environmental human rights, particularly the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, together with the corresponding State obligations in the field of environmental protection. The thesis evaluates the effectiveness of human rights protection mechanisms, both judicial and alternative, and their adequacy in the context of climate change. It analyses relevant case law concerning climate-related human rights violations and approaches to assessing the admissibility of relevant applications. The research identifies challenges in ensuring adequate protection of human rights against the adverse effects of climate change and highlights the need for further development of existing legal policies and protection mechanisms.