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2024.04.21
Seoul
Is International Earth Day a Human Rights Imperative?
Daniela Mata Ruiz
The International Earth Day is celebrated every year on the 22nd of April to renew our commitments both individually and collectively to the planet. Its origins go back to 1970 with the modern environmental movement, which led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and environmental laws in the United States. By the 1990s, the movement and celebration of Earth Day became truly global, as environmental issues increased and people became increasingly aware and concerned with them. Later, The United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed April 22nd as International Mother Earth Day through a resolution adopted in 2009. Currently, Earth Day is recognized all around the world as a day to support the legacy of the environmental fight while continuing to recognize and work toward environmental protection and climate action.
As the world approaches and exceeds the limitations of the Earth, the urgency for action is present, and it is not too late, provided that we take the necessary steps. Climate change is an issue that is of great relevance to the people of today and a very big problem for the generations of tomorrow. As suggested above, climate change is an issue that affects people in a myriad of ways, so we cannot talk about human rights without including the environment. That is why, despite initial assumptions, International Earth Day is considered a human rights day.
Climate change is an issue branded as apolitical, quite ironically given its ultimate gravity regarding global human rights. While carbon emissions can be recognized as a global market failure, the effects of climate change often affect less developed countries at greater levels. Similarly, any other position or factor of inequality will lead to more damage due to climate change and environmental degradation. Essentially, because of the environmental issues, a variety of human rights issues are exacerbated. For example, climate change effects are slowly creating a whole new category of refugees: environmentally displaced persons. Those in such regions as the South Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa will find their homelands simply too harsh and hostile to inhabit, and their escape to more temperate climates will be met with the closing of borders and strict immigration laws and very often outright hostility. Additionally, as resources become scarcer, climate-based conflicts will arise on all levels, from local or intrastate conflicts to regional and international ones.
Taking the aforementioned into account, International Earth Day holds immense significance in raising global awareness about environmental issues and fostering a collective commitment to safeguarding our planet. It serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices and environmental protection initiatives. On this day, individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide can take meaningful actions to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
In conclusion, as we commemorate International Earth Day, let us listen to the call to action for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world. We all have a role to play in engaging with climate action and environment protection, no matter how small the action. If we wish to continue enjoying everything Earth has to offer in this generation and the next ones, preserving it should be a priority for everyone. Let us commit to actively making choices for the environment, advocating for climate action measures, and always recognizing how protecting the Earth is a human rights issue.
Written by Daniela Mata Ruiz for Yonsei GSIS Human Rights Hub
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