Promoting climate justice in global supply chains

What is climate justice?

Climate justice is a term pioneered by activists in the global south. It acknowledges that climate change has differing and inequitable impacts on vulnerable, underprivileged population groups. It seeks to address the injustice that those who are least responsible for causing the problem of climate change are also those most likely to suffer from its impacts.

Systemic disparities persisting in society today-including, but not limited to, those associated with wealth, race, ethnicity, gender, class, and generational gaps-influence the relationship people have with the environment, and can compound climate risks.

Climate change is intrinsically linked to human rights. In addition to the right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment-recently recognized by the UN Human Rights Council-climate change can negatively impact multiple human rights. These impacts will be felt acutely by those who earn a living in agricultural, forestry, and fishing industries, particularly in the global south.

The private sector should play an important role in advancing climate justice by realigning business incentives with international climate commitments, such as the Paris Agreement. Businesses are increasingly committing to energy transitions, GHG emission reductions, and deforestation targets. Many are also increasing transparency and reporting surrounding their progress, committing to lead in the fight against climate change, and helping to influence government action on climate and human rights impacts.

Through due diligence efforts, businesses can better understand how climate change and sustainability measures impact the people associated with their business. In accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, businesses must "know and show" their impacts on the climate.