In the wake of Amnesty International’s latest annual report on the state of human rights worldwide, a stark revelation emerges: environmental degradation and climate change are not just ecological issues but significant threats to human rights in every corner of the globe. The report, released last month, sheds light on the profound impacts of climate change and environmental destruction on communities, particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Throughout 2023, the world witnessed a cascade of environmental catastrophes, from droughts to severe storms, toxic pollution to wildfires, leaving millions of lives disrupted and communities devastated. In Libya, Storm Daniel, likely exacerbated by climate change, wrought havoc by collapsing dams, displacing over 40,000 people and claiming thousands of lives. Meanwhile, in Azerbaijan, peaceful demonstrators protesting the construction of a mine tailings dam faced brutal repression from security forces. And in Canada, wildfires ravaged vast swathes of land, forcing 150,000 people to evacuate and polluting the air across cities hundreds of miles away.

This year’s report marks a pivotal shift in focus for Amnesty International, traditionally concentrated on human rights abuses perpetrated by authoritarian regimes and armed conflicts. For the first time, the report scrutinizes countries’ records on upholding the right to a healthy environment, a recognition unanimously endorsed by the U.N. General Assembly in 2022. The interconnectedness of environmental issues and human rights is undeniable, with human health, food security, livelihoods, and family well-being all contingent upon a sustainable environment.

Marta Schaaf, director of Amnesty International’s climate, economic, and social justice program, underscores the disproportionate impact of environmental and climate-related crises on marginalized communities. From the Rohingya in Myanmar, enduring displacement compounded by the devastating effects of Cyclone Mocha, to impoverished communities in Pakistan, Malawi, Rwanda, and beyond, the vulnerabilities of the most marginalized are exacerbated by climate-amplified disasters.

However, the capacity of governments to respond adequately to these crises is often hampered by financial constraints, particularly in lower-income countries. Schaaf highlights the urgent need for developed nations to scale up climate finance, not only for adaptation measures but also to address the damages caused by climate-related events. The call for wealthier nations to bear the brunt of responsibility stems from their historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and the disproportionate burden borne by developing countries.

Despite commitments made at global climate talks, the actual mobilization of funds falls short of what is needed. Schaaf emphasizes the imperative for polluters, not ordinary citizens, to bear the costs of climate finance. The report underscores the expansion of fossil fuel projects by historically high emitters like the United States, China, and Canada, exacerbating both climate change and local environmental impacts.

Moreover, the report highlights the escalating threats faced by environmental defenders worldwide. In countries like Honduras, the Philippines, and Bolivia, individuals advocating for environmental protection face violence, persecution, and even death. The alarming number of documented attacks likely underestimates the true extent of the danger, particularly in repressive states like China and Russia, where watchdog activities are heavily restricted.

Large-scale extractive projects, such as oil drilling and mining, further compound environmental degradation and endanger the livelihoods of communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. The case of Mongolia’s Gobi region exemplifies this, where nomadic herder communities suffer from pollution while losing their ancestral lands to mining interests, often backed by wealthy Western companies.

In light of these findings, Amnesty International’s report serves as a clarion call for concerted global action to address the intersecting crises of environmental degradation, climate change, and human rights abuses. It urges governments to prioritize environmental protection, uphold human rights, and hold polluters accountable for the damages inflicted on communities and ecosystems alike.

As the world grapples with the existential threat of climate change, the protection of human rights must be at the forefront of policymaking and international cooperation. Failure to act decisively not only imperils the planet but also undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual, particularly those most vulnerable to the ravages of environmental injustice.