Local Impact of Climate Change: RWI’s COP26 Event on a Human Rights-Based Approach to Climate Action

The climate crisis increases inequalities and threatens the livelihood of people globally. Small island states, indigenous and low-lying local communities are disproportionally affected by loss and damage caused by climate change. The Raoul Wallenberg Institute's (RWI) side event at COP26 in Glasgow highlighted the effects of climate change on human rights on a local level, possible mitigation measures, and their adaptation.

The RWI calls for a rights-based approach to enhancing the social-ecological resilience of the people while responding and adapting to climate change. It addressed how a rights-based approach can be integrated into national adaptation planning. This includes localised adaptation action that is guided by science and as appropriate, traditional knowledge, knowledge of Indigenous people and local knowledge systems.

During the workshop, Sumudu Atapattu and Nicole Anschell presented key points on the interconnectedness of climate change and human rights. The event was moderated by Victor Bernard.

As part of the event, RWI screened the short film “The Last Breath of Tonle Sap”. The film depicts a fisher’s family and their life at the Mekong River. It draws the audience’s attention to the question which human rights are affected by climate change – and how. 

To access RWI's booklet “Pathways for just and fair adaptation: A rights-based approach to climate action”, please click here.

To watch the recorded live stream of the event and the short film, please click here.