HUMAN RIGHTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE: IMPLEMENTING THE RIGHT TO WATER IN A TIME OF GLOBAL WATER CRISIS

Abstract

The world is facing a worrisome water crisis. Countries worldwide are experiencing situations of water stress that is putting unprecedented pressure on States’ ability to ensure their populations with sufficient water supplies. A series of factors is exacerbating the current scenario and prospects for the future of the Planet in terms of water availability are indeed pessimistic. Water resources around the world are brought under strain due to demographic growth, urbanization and consequent increasing demand for water. In addition to these factors, climate change is intensifying its adverse effects on water resources and the world population. This thesis tries to understand how climatic variabilities are impacting on the recently recognized human right to water and which measures and policies can be taken at international level to ensure the respect of this right in the context of a global water crisis and climate change hazards. The first chapter will present an overview of the actual situation in terms of water crisis by exploring water availability worldwide and defining water scarcity and stress experienced by regions of the world. The second chapter will assess the legal framework regulating the human access to water and the steps at international level that led to the recognition of the Human Right to Water in 2010, together with its normative content and obligations for States. The third chapter will then turn to examine the real threats on human rights posed by climate change, particularly focusing on its adverse effects on the enjoyment of the human right to water. Finally, the fourth and last chapter will explore the current debate on the relationship between human rights and climate change regimes, turning thus to look at possible measures and solutions that can be taken by the international community to address emerging challenges.