Science and Human Rights...

Image Source: Carlos Fiorentino | Design Education & Research

Topics: Climate Change, Global Warming, Politics, Research

The clearest modern example of Climate Change and forced displacement was illustrated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I've blogged about my personal experience with it when living in Texas. Irene and Sandy are a part of our recent history and collective fading memories. A notably schizophrenic winter season in the northeast that can swing from harsh bitter cold to mild Indian Summer has not swayed our political leaders in the pockets of the fossil fuel industry. Sadly in the US, what may cause an action may be something more resembling the plot of a dystopian novel; more martial than civil. At that point we'd be trying to hold together what's left of the republic.

Scientific research can inform policies aimed at addressing the needs of communities displaced by climate change, something that is already happening in the United States and around the world, according to experts at a 25-26 July meeting of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition.

Research provides vital tools to identify and shape response plans to mitigate, and, in some cases, prevent, the effects of climate change on impacted communities and the human rights of local people, said participating speakers. Since 2009, the Coalition has brought together scientific and engineering organizations that recognize a role for scientists and engineers in addressing human rights issues.

The focus of the July meeting held at AAAS headquarters was on the human rights implications of climate change, including a session on the role of scientific evidence in addressing the effects of climate change.

Climate change is expected to displace and prompt the resettlement of many communities around the the world, particularly those most vulnerable to sea level rise and weather events spurred by climate change, said Michael Cernea of the International Network on Displacement and Resettlement.

American Association for the Advancement of Science:
Science Can Ease Human Rights Effects of Climate Change, Andrea Korte