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The ECOSOC plenary negotiations for implementing the human right to the environment got off to an exciting start on Friday with a ground-breaking resolution extending human rights protections for persons displaced by environmental change.

The newly defined category of “climate refugee” was discussed with great hope from its supporters that refugee protections under international law could be extended to climate-displaced persons. Through two separate agreements the definition was extended to both refugees as well as internally-displaced persons.

The recognition of climate-displacement fulfills a key agenda item on the human right to the environment regarding the security risks of climate change. 

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After much deliberation, ECOSOC Members set about gathering support for their various positions in an effort to achieve the rather lofty goal of an implementation plan of action for the Human Right to the Environment. It was a frenzied day of cross-floor negotiations but representatives seemed generally satisfied with their results.

The real test will come soon when ECOSOC members meet in plenary to discuss the terms of the final agreement. Some hot button issues are on the agenda including the creation of a new category of refugee that applies to individuals and groups fleeing climate-related environmental change and disaster. There are also several calls to demand greater funding commitments from economically more developed states as well as a call to implement systems of monitoring, checks, and penalties for failing meeting climate targets.

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ECOSOC Members have spent the past month discussing the most pertinent action for responding to the call to act on a Human Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment. After the first round of regional negotiations earlier this month, lead negotiators from key member states attended a specialized workshop to help motivate positive action in the coming negotiations. 

Participants were motivated by the lessons. Several attendees remarked that understanding their team's communication and negotiation styles "will be greatly helpful" in the upcoming negotiations. Others remarked on the importance of communication, not only within their negotiation teams, but with their negotiation partners as well. 

The ECOSOC Special Meeting on Implementing the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment had its first regional sessions today. Member states from all areas of the globe shared their desire to achieve a more sustainable and healthy future for everyone. 

Topic highlights included a recognition of indigenous peoples' representation and voice in a future environmental agenda that respects human rights, a focus on mitigation tools and management of environmental crises in countries affected by climate and other environmental change, and funding arrangements that equitably distribute responsibility for addressing this global challenge.

Members are heading home from the first session to discuss their next moves as all eyes are on the leaders of the world in guiding a global conscience through impactful and meaningful action.