Law and liberty in a time of climate change

Abstract

In this article I examine the intersection between human rights and climate change, and consider whether, in fact, fundamental human rights are or would be jeopardised by a concerted attempt on the part of Western governments to curb carbon emissions. I draw comparisons with the war on terror, and discuss the implications of a possible war on climate change for democracy and the rule of law. My argument is that any curtailment of human rights must be placed in perspective. It is increasingly apparent that, if left unchecked, climate change will have a catastrophic impact upon human rights. Thus, the requirement for urgent action on climate change arises as much from a human rights perspective as from a more wholistic environmental perspective.