Climate Change as a Human Rights Issue: Insights from the Lake Chad Region

 

During a recent study conducted on the Nigerian side of the Lake Chad region along the fringes of Baga, Monguno, and Marte, I observed firsthand the profound impacts of climate change on human well-being. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, gathering data from 400 questionnaires for quantitative insights and 20 in-depth interviews for qualitative analysis. The experience aligns with broader debates in the literature, where scholars emphasize that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a significant human rights challenge. According to the World Bank, over 85% of those affected by climate displacement are from developing nations, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. In the Lake Chad basin, the livelihoods of millions are intertwined with the natural environment, making the region a stark example of how climate change intersects with fundamental human rights. This blog explores the multifaceted dimensions of this intersection, supported by insights from fieldwork and global data.

Understanding the Link Between Climate Change and Human Rights

Climate change is not just an environmental crisis it is a human crisis. The consequences of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and resource scarcity directly infringe on basic human rights such as the right to food, water, health, and security. For instance, studies show that the Lake Chad basin has experienced a 90% reduction in water levels since the 1960s, affecting over 40 million people who depend on the lake for their livelihoods. Erratic rainfall has also reduced agricultural output by up to 50% in some areas, exacerbating food insecurity. These changes directly impact communities in the region, which rely heavily on agriculture and fishing for survival, threatening their fundamental human rights daily.

           (a) Right to Livelihood

The decline of Lake Chad by over 90% since the 1960s has disrupted livelihoods. As highlighted in fieldwork data, 49.5% of respondents in affected areas rely on agriculture and fishing. Men, traditionally seen as providers, face unemployment due to declining fish stocks and infertile lands. Women, on the other hand, take on dual roles, balancing household duties with seeking alternative income sources. This shift exacerbates gender disparities, with 56.8% of respondents noting women assuming traditionally male roles.

       (b) Right to Safety and Security

Displacement and migration due to resource scarcity amplify vulnerabilities. Men often migrate to seek work, leaving women and children in precarious situations. The study reveals that 35.5% of respondents acknowledge women face heightened risks, including gender-based violence, during displacement. The absence of adequate safety nets makes these communities even more susceptible to exploitation and abuse.

      (c) Right to Equality

Climate change magnifies existing inequalities. Women, who make up 71.8% of respondents in the Lake Chad region, are disproportionately affected. They often lack access to education (69.8% with no formal education), resources, and decision-making platforms, yet bear the brunt of the crisis. The study shows that while 65.5% of respondents believe women have become more economically empowered, significant barriers persist in achieving true equality.

Climate Change’s Gendered Impacts: A Closer Look

The fieldwork provides critical insights into how climate change-induced insecurity affects men and women differently in terms of:

   (i)Access to Resources: Over half (53.5%) of respondents reported men face more challenges accessing resources like water and land. However, 35.5% noted that women, often tasked with caregiving and subsistence farming, also face severe difficulties.

   (ii) Coping Strategies: Women tend to rely on alternative livelihoods (23.4%) and community resilience initiatives (21.5%), while men are more likely to migrate or seek external aid (49.2%). These differences highlight the need for gender-specific adaptation strategies.

Related Literature Review

The intersection of climate change and human rights has been extensively debated in academic and policy circles, revealing competing evidence and diverse perspectives.

First, the vulnerability paradigm emphasizes that climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized populations, intensifying pre-existing inequalities. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), low-income countries contribute less than 10% of global emissions but bear the brunt of climate impacts (IPCC Report). However, critics argue that this narrative risks oversimplifying complex socio-economic dynamics by neglecting the agency of affected communities.

 The second strand of debate is on the economic implications,  research from the World Bank estimates that climate change could push an additional 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030 if mitigation strategies are not effectively implemented (World Bank Climate Report). On the other hand, proponents of technological innovation, such as the Copenhagen Consensus Center, argue that investments in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies could offset these economic losses (Copenhagen Consensus Climate Solutions).

Additionally, gender dynamics, numerous studies highlight the gendered impacts of climate change. For instance, UN Women reports that women are 14 times more likely than men to die during climate-induced disasters due to social and economic inequalities (UN Women Climate Change). Conversely, some scholars argue that focusing solely on women’s vulnerabilities risks reinforcing stereotypes and overlooks their active roles in climate adaptation.

Lastly, justice and equity, the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR) underpin much of the international climate discourse. While developing nations advocate for greater support from industrialized countries, critics highlight the lack of accountability mechanisms to ensure that pledged financial and technological transfers materialize effectively (UNFCCC on CBDR).

These debates underscore the complexity of framing climate change as a human rights issue, necessitating multi-faceted approaches that balance equity, empowerment, and practical interventions.

Theoretical Frameworks Underpinning Climate Change as a Human Rights Issue

Understanding climate change as a human rights issue is rooted in several theoretical frameworks.

 (i) Human Security Framework

This framework emphasizes the protection of individuals from critical threats to their well-being, such as those posed by climate change. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) introduced this concept in its 1994 Human Development Report, highlighting that environmental degradation directly undermines human security (UNDP Human Development Report). The human security approach has gained traction in linking climate action to the protection of fundamental human rights.

(ii) Intersectionality Theory

Intersectionality highlights how overlapping social identities, such as gender, race, and class, create interconnected systems of oppression and privilege. This theory is crucial in understanding how climate change impacts women and marginalized groups disproportionately. Research by the Gender and Climate Change Network underscores the necessity of addressing these intersecting vulnerabilities to develop equitable adaptation strategies (Gender CC Network).

  (iii) Environmental Justice Framework

The environmental justice framework advocates for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental policies and actions. It highlights that climate change disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities. Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasize that equitable policies are essential for addressing these disparities (EPA Environmental Justice).

   (iv) Capability Approach

Developed by economist Amartya Sen, this framework focuses on expanding individuals' freedoms and opportunities to lead lives they value. Applied to climate change, it stresses the importance of enhancing capabilities such as access to education, healthcare, and secure livelihoods to build resilience. The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative has documented how climate adaptation strategies can align with this approach (OPHI Research).

These theoretical frameworks collectively reinforce the need to view climate change through a human rights lens, ensuring inclusive and equitable responses to its impacts.

Climate Justice and Human Rights: The Path Forward

Recognizing climate change as a human rights issue requires a shift in policy and action. This perspective aligns with insights from global organizations and research. According to the United Nations Human Rights Council, climate change affects the enjoyment of over 70% of recognized human rights, including the right to life, food, and housing (UN OHCHR). Similarly, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights that vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, face heightened risks in climate-affected areas (IPCC Report). These findings reinforce the urgent need for integrated, rights-based approaches to climate action.

  (a) Gender-Responsive Policies

The fieldwork underscores the necessity of integrating gender perspectives into climate policies. For example, 26.4% of respondents advocate for gender-sensitive training and capacity-building programs, enabling women to better adapt to climate challenges. This aligns with findings from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which emphasize that empowering women through education and skill-building can significantly enhance community resilience to climate change (UNDP Gender and Climate Change). Additionally, the Global Gender and Climate Alliance highlights that gender-responsive policies result in more sustainable outcomes by addressing the specific vulnerabilities of women and marginalized groups (GGCA Resources).

  (b) Access to Education and Resources

Education is pivotal for empowerment. With 27.1% of respondents prioritizing education for women, it’s evident that closing the gender education gap can enhance resilience and agency. Research from UNESCO underscores that educating girls can increase household incomes and improve disaster resilience (UNESCO Gender and Education). Additionally, a report by the World Economic Forum highlights that every year of additional education for women reduces child mortality by 9.5%, which is critical in climate-stressed regions (WEF Gender Gap Report). These findings corroborate the necessity of targeted educational interventions to bolster community adaptation to climate challenges.

   (c) Community-Led Initiatives

Over half (54.3%) of respondents actively participate in community-led initiatives. For instance, programs like the Lake Chad Basin Commission’s (LCBC) resilience projects focus on empowering local communities through sustainable farming and fishing practices (LCBC Resilience Programs). Strengthening these efforts can foster inclusive, grassroots responses to climate challenges and ensure that vulnerable groups have the tools to adapt effectively.

(d)  Collaborative Efforts

Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and communities is deemed extremely crucial by 70% of respondents. For example, initiatives such as the African Union’s Great Green Wall project bring together diverse stakeholders to combat desertification and build climate resilience in affected regions (Great Green Wall Initiative). Effective partnerships can bridge gaps in resource allocation, foster innovation, and ensure equitable adaptation measures tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

Climate change is a pressing human rights issue that demands urgent, inclusive action. Its multifaceted impacts ranging from threats to livelihoods and gender equality to the destabilization of entire communities transcend environmental boundaries and disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Studies underscore that the reduction of Lake Chad’s water levels by over 90% has disrupted the lives of millions, with over 40 million people dependent on its resources facing severe challenges. Fieldwork findings reveal that women, who constitute 71.8% of respondents in the region, face heightened vulnerabilities, including limited access to education and increased caregiving burdens. Meanwhile, displacement due to resource scarcity has exacerbated the risks of gender-based violence, with 35.5% of respondents highlighting its prevalence.

Efforts to combat these challenges must integrate a rights-based approach. Gender-responsive policies, such as those advocated by UNDP, have shown promise in empowering women through education and skill-building. Programs like the Lake Chad Basin Commission’s resilience initiatives and the African Union’s Great Green Wall offer scalable models for fostering community-led adaptation. Furthermore, collaboration across governments, NGOs, and local communities, as emphasized by 70% of respondents, remains crucial for ensuring equitable resource distribution and fostering innovation. By prioritizing education, fostering community resilience, and implementing gender-sensitive policies, stakeholders can address the intertwined challenges of climate change and human rights effectively. The urgency to act is paramount, not just for the preservation of the environment but for the advancement of humanity as a whole.

****BY Shadrach B. Adams