The Climate Crisis Is One of the Greatest Human Rights Challenges of Our Time
February 16, 2026 | Source: National Justice Project
The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue, it’s one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time.
Australia has already warmed by 1.5°C since national records began in 1910. According to the Australian Climate Service, even small levels of global heating can drive more extreme heat, storms, droughts and flooding.
These impacts are not something to dismiss as a future fear. Right now, communities’ homes, livelihoods, health and connection to Country are being impacted.
As meaningful government action and accountability continue to fall short, urgent change is needed to prevent the climate crisis from continuing to devastate the people least responsible for causing it.
Why the climate crises is a human rights issue
The climate crisis is impacting human rights right now by undermining people’s ability to live with safety and dignity.
Beyond the immediate danger of heatwaves, floods and bushfires, the long-term negative impacts on health, and food and water security, can put people’s lives at risk.
As the climate changes, food is becoming harder for communities to grow and access, with droughts, floods and rising sea levels damaging farms and local food supplies.
Hotter temperatures and water shortages are also making it harder for people to access clean drinking water and sanitation.