Letter to Paula Dobriansky, State Department, on Climate Change and Human Rights

March 24, 2008

Honorable Paula J. Dobriansky
Under Secretary, Democracy and Global Affairs
United States Department of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Under Secretary Dobriansky:

Throughout the 110th Congress, the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming has examined the potential impacts of climate change.  The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that global temperature rise above 3.6° Fahrenheit (2° Celsius) would lead to catastrophic changes in the climate system.  The National Academy of Sciences has also stated, “recent scientific evidence shows that major and widespread climate changes have occurred with startling speed”.  These changes, and the rate at which they are occurring, will have serious impacts on areas such as food security and agricultural yields, the accessibility of water resources, disease, biodiversity, and other natural resources.  Disruptions of this nature pose a threat to global stability, economic wellbeing, and living standards.  Impacts of this nature have historically posed a serious threat to human rights around the world.  

In areas around the world, ranging from Alaskan tribes, small island nations and others, people are already seeing the effects of climate change on their land, economies, and culture.  The Select Committee has heard testimony from individuals like Cheryl Lockwood, an Alaskan native, whose entire community may have to be relocated as a consequence of global warming.  During our recent delegation to the Amazon, we met with people who are watching climate change alter the rainforest around them.  In light of these threats, the Republic of Maldives has published the Malé Declaration on the Human Dimension of Global Climate Change, and introduced a resolution to the Human Rights Council entitled “Human Rights and Climate Change.”  

The State Department recognizes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees fundamental rights for all human beings.  Given the potential effects of climate change on international stability, democracy, basic human needs and consequently basic human rights, I request your assistance by answering the following questions:
 

1.    Does the State Department expect climate change to have an impact on human rights? If so, what does the State Department consider the most important climate change impacts on human rights?

2.    What steps has the State Department taken to mitigate, or prepare for, any potential risks to human rights?

3.    What future actions will be important to protect the human rights of vulnerable populations?

4.    If the State Department expects climate change to impair human rights, what implications does this have for national security?

Thank you for your attention to this matter.  Please respond to this request by April 7th, 2008.  If you have any questions please contact Stephanie Herring or Danielle Baussan of the Committee staff at 202-225-4012.

                        Sincerely,
                        
                        /S/
                        
                        Edward J. Markey
                        Chairman

Return to Letters to the Administration »