What are the legal and ethical implications of climate change on corporate disclosure practices?5 answersClimate change has significant legal and ethical implications on corporate disclosure practices. Foreign institutional ownership positively influences climate change disclosure quality, emphasizing the need for regulators to enhance oversight in firms with lower foreign ownership. Corporate governance mechanisms, such as audit committee meetings and independence, impact climate change disclosures positively in Bangladeshi-listed banks, highlighting the importance of governance structures in disclosure practices. The EU regulation on sustainability-related disclosures stresses the importance of transparent reporting on climate change, emphasizing the need for clear and concise information to avoid confusion and overconfidence among recipients. Recent SEC rules in the US mandate specific climate disclosures, recognizing climate risks as substantial and requiring companies to integrate risk management into their business strategies. The TCFD framework aims to improve companies' awareness of climate risks and impacts, revealing a polarization in climate change disclosure practices among companies.
How have international conventions addressed the intersection of climate change and human rights?5 answersInternational conventions have increasingly recognized the intersection of climate change and human rights. Human rights bodies have acknowledged that climate change and response measures can impact human rights. The Paris Agreement, in particular, made an explicit reference to states' human rights obligations, marking a significant development in this area. The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) also imposes obligations on states to secure human rights from climate change threats, including the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pursue temperature goals. However, there are challenges in implementing a human rights-based approach to climate change, such as the exclusivity of climate law and human rights law, operational barriers within the UN human rights system, and attributing responsibility for climate harm to states. Despite these challenges, the recognition of human rights in the context of climate change is crucial for addressing climate injustices and ensuring the protection of vulnerable nations and communities.
What are the main ways that businesses can contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights?4 answersBusinesses can contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in several ways. One approach is through corporate due diligence, where businesses practice responsible behavior to avoid human rights abuses. Another way is through the creation of legally binding regulations that hold businesses accountable for their impact on human rights. Additionally, businesses can adopt innovative measures, such as Global Framework Agreements, to ensure respect for human rights. Voluntary initiatives can also have positive effects on responsible business conduct, but they should not replace the need for mandatory corporate obligations. Finally, businesses can contribute to human rights by integrating strategies that prioritize social, cultural, and environmental perspectives, and by committing to respect and protect the freedom, well-being, and dignity of workers.
Do responsible businesses engage in human rights?5 answersResponsible businesses engage in human rights by recognizing their social and human rights responsibilities and integrating them into their organizational culture. They understand the importance of respecting human rights while conducting business and take human rights risks as seriously as commercial risks. This commitment is manifested through the embedding of human rights policies and due diligence procedures into their corporate culture. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) provide a universally accepted framework for businesses to address their responsibilities for human rights. These principles outline the obligations of states to protect human rights, the responsibility of businesses to respect human rights, and the need for adequate remedies for human rights breaches. While voluntary initiatives may have positive effects, they are unreliable and cannot replace the need for mandatory corporate obligations to protect human rights.
What are the impacts of climate change on human rights?4 answersClimate change has varied impacts on human rights, including the right to live, the right to food, the right to water, the right to health, the right to enjoy a healthy environment, and the right to self-determination. Human rights bodies and the Paris Agreement have recognized the connection between climate change and human rights, incorporating human rights language and obligations in their decisions. However, there are obstacles to greater cooperation between the climate change and human rights regimes. The effects of climate change pose challenges for the protection of human rights, and there is a need for measures to address these challenges. Human rights law and institutions are increasingly being used to address harms associated with climate change, filling the accountability gap left by the Paris Agreement. In territories with divided competence due to colonization, climate adaptation is further complicated, and a critical and postcolonial lens is necessary to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
How does climate change impact human rights?5 answersClimate change has a significant impact on human rights, affecting various aspects of human life such as the right to live, the right to food, the right to water, the right to health, the right to enjoy a healthy environment, and the right to self-determination. The international community recognizes the link between climate change and human rights, with human rights bodies and the Paris Agreement incorporating human rights language in their decisions. However, there are obstacles to greater cooperation between the climate change and human rights regimes. Vulnerable nations, particularly developing countries, bear the brunt of climate injustices due to their limited capacity to adapt to the consequences of climate change. The protection of human rights in developing countries requires assistance from developed countries. There is a need for enhanced protection of human rights in the context of climate change, and suggestions have been made to address this issue.