Panel on Adverse Effects of Climate Change on Human Rights of People in Vulnerable Situations
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council – 50th Session
June 28, 2022
Mister President, thank you for convening this important panel.
The consequences of climate change and environmental degradation are becoming more and more evident.
Across the world, people are experiencing droughts, devastating floods, rising sea levels, and disruptions to food systems, all at an increasingly rapid rate. These conditions can lead to hunger and poverty, with underserved and marginalized communities disproportionately affected.
Land and environmental defenders seeking to protect the environment and those populations most impacted by the effects of climate change are increasingly vulnerable to threats and violent attacks.
We also know that women and girls in all their diversity are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change, including through gender-based violence and conflict related to natural resources, loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, and poverty. Persons with disabilities are similarly at risk.
The United States is committed to helping vulnerable countries increase resilience and adapt to the effects of climate change. To name a few examples, the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience, PREPARE, will serve as the cornerstone of U.S. government efforts to help more than 500 million people in developing countries adapt to and manage the effects of climate change.
Furthermore, the United States is implementing cross-cutting projects that tackle climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian response around the world.
We are mobilizing a whole-of-government approach to help communities hit hardest by climate change and to create a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future.
Question: What are some concrete steps we can take to ensure the most vulnerable communities and environmental defenders are safe?