Inaction on the climate crisis by our global political leaders is impacting on the human rights of each and every one of us.

Our rights to life, health, livelihoods, housing, food, water, sanitation, among others are impacted by the climate crisis. It disproportionately affects those who are already disadvantaged or facing discrimination. The massive bushfires that devastated our country have confirmed that the climate crisis affects us all.

The climate crisis is threatening our human rights – whether through bushfires, floods, or drought.

Governments have a duty to protect human rights from the climate crisis. Australia has been lagging behind on climate action for far too long, refusing to commit to adequate emission reduction targets, promoting coal use, and even obstructing progress at the last UN climate negotiations (COP25).

In Australia, it is imperative that we rapidly reduce emissions, in a manner compatible with science and with our obligation to protect human rights. At the same time, the Australian Government must increase its support to people facing the impacts of the climate crisis, including through stronger adaptation measures and effective remedies for people and communities affected – for example, by the bushfires.

This is an emergency and Australia needs to step up its commitments and actions to tackle the crisis. Email Scott Morrison and ask him to act now.