Crisis of Environment and Human Rights
Crisis of Environment and Human Rights: A Critical Analysis with Special
Reference to Children and Elderly People
Introduction
The contemporary world is witnessing an unprecedented environmental crisis characterized by climate change,
ecological degradation, biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution, and resource depletion. These environmental
disruptions are no longer confined to ecological concerns alone; rather, they have emerged as fundamental human
rights issues affecting the survival, dignity, and well-being of humanity. The increasing frequency of floods, droughts,
heatwaves, cyclones, forest fires, and industrial disasters demonstrates that environmental degradation directly
threatens the realization of basic human rights such as the right to life, health, food, water, shelter, and development.
The relationship between environment and human rights gained international prominence after the Stockholm
Conference of 1972, which recognized that human beings have a fundamental right to live in an environment of
quality that permits a life of dignity and well-being. Subsequently, the United Nations General Assembly in 2022
recognized access to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a universal human right. This recognition
reflects the growing understanding that environmental protection is indispensable for the realization of all other
human rights.
Environmental crises affect all sections of society; however, vulnerable groups such as children and elderly people
suffer disproportionately because of their biological, economic, and social vulnerabilities.
Understanding Environmental Crisis-
Environmental crisis refers to severe disruptions in ecological balance caused primarily by unsustainable human
activities. Major dimensions include climate change, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, industrial waste, and
ecological imbalance. Rapid industrialization and consumerism have intensified greenhouse gas emissions and
ecological destruction.
Ulrich Beck, in his theory of the “Risk Society,” argued that modern industrial civilization itself generates global
environmental risks that transcend national boundaries. According to Beck, contemporary society is characterized by
“manufactured risks” such as nuclear accidents, toxic pollution, and climate change.
Theoretical Perspectives
John Locke: Locke emphasized natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Environmental degradation undermines
these rights because survival depends upon natural resources.
Karl Marx: Marx viewed capitalism as inherently exploitative toward both labor and nature. Eco-Marxists argue that
climate change and environmental degradation are outcomes of capitalist overproduction and consumerism.
Ex: Amazon Rainforest
The destruction of the Amazon rainforest for commercial agriculture and mining has displaced indigenous
communities and contributed significantly to climate change.
Amartya Sen: Sen’s capability approach argues that development should enhance human freedoms and capabilities.
Environmental degradation restricts access to health, nutrition, clean water, and sustainable livelihoods.
Example: Flint Water Crisis
In Flint, Michigan, contaminated drinking water exposed thousands of residents, especially children, to lead
poisoning, violating their right to health and safe living conditions.
Vandana Shiva: Vandana Shiva critiques development models that exploit both nature and marginalized
communities. Her ecofeminist perspective highlights how environmental destruction disproportionately impacts
vulnerable populations.
Ex: Chipko Movement
The Chipko Movement in India demonstrated grassroots environmental resistance, where villagers protected forests
by hugging trees to prevent deforestation.
Rachel Carson: His book Silent Spring exposed the harmful effects of pesticides on ecosystems and public health.
Ex: Bhopal Gas Tragedy
The 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy remains one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. Toxic gas leakage caused
thousands of deaths and long-term health complications, exposing failures in environmental governance.
Environmental Crisis as a Human Rights Crisis
Environmental degradation threatens the realization of universally recognized human rights.
Right to Life: Climate-related disasters increasingly threaten survival.
Ex: Heatwaves in India have caused deaths among laborers, children, and elderly persons.
Right to Health: Pollution contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Ex: Delhi’s severe air pollution has significantly affected children and elderly populations.
Right to Food and Water: Climate change disrupts agriculture and causes water scarcity.
Ex: African drought crises have resulted in famine and malnutrition.
Right to Shelter: Environmental disasters displace millions of people.
Ex: Rising sea levels and cyclones in Bangladesh have produced climate refugees.
Impact on Children
Children are highly vulnerable because their bodies and minds are still developing.
Key impacts include:
• Respiratory diseases and asthma due to air pollution
• Malnutrition and waterborne diseases
• Educational disruption due to disasters
• Psychological trauma and eco-anxiety
• Increased risks of trafficking and child labor
Ex: Children in Delhi have experienced reduced lung capacity because of prolonged exposure to polluted air..
Impact on Elderly People
Elderly individuals face greater vulnerability because of age-related health limitations.
Key impacts include:
• Heatwave-related mortality
• Aggravation of chronic diseases
• Difficulties during disaster evacuation
• Social isolation and economic insecurity
Ex- 1. The 2003 European heatwave caused thousands of deaths among elderly populations.
2. During Hurricane Katrina, many elderly individuals were unable to evacuate in time.
International Responses
Major international efforts include:
• Stockholm Declaration (1972)
• Rio Declaration (1992)
• Paris Climate Agreement (2015)
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Environmental Human Rights in India
The Constitution of India recognizes environmental protection through:
• Article 21: Right to life
• Article 48A: Protection of environment
• Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty to protect nature
The Supreme Court of India has expanded environmental jurisprudence through cases such as:
• M.C. Mehta v. Union of India
• Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar
• Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India
Conclusion-
The environmental crisis has evolved into one of the gravest human rights challenges of the contemporary era.
Environmental degradation threatens fundamental rights including life, health, food, water, shelter, and development.
Scholars such as Amartya Sen, Vandana Shiva, Ulrich Beck, and Rachel Carson have demonstrated that
environmental sustainability is inseparable from social justice and human dignity.
Children and elderly people remain the most vulnerable victims of ecological destruction because of their limited
adaptive capacities and heightened exposure to environmental risks. Therefore, environmental protection must be
treated not merely as an ecological necessity but as a legal, moral, and human rights imperative.