Coral Reef Destruction: A Threat to Human Rights and Ecosystems
A study suggests that a human rights-based approach is needed to protect coral reefs, ensuring governments are accountable for safeguarding marine ecosystems and empowering local communities to demand sustainable solutions and climate justice. Coral reefs are crucial for the livelihoods of over one billion people worldwide, providing Food Security, coastal protection, and income from tourism. Despite efforts to protect coral reefs, they continue to degrade due to factors like coral bleaching and pollution. Implementing coral reef conservation through a human rights-based approach can lead to better governance at local, national, and international levels. In 2022, the United Nations affirmed the human right to a clean and healthy environment, recognizing the threat climate change, pollution, and Biodiversity loss pose to human rights globally. The study also highlights a case where failure to address climate change impacted the rights of Torres Strait Islanders, who rely on healthy coral reefs for their way of life. A rights-based approach to coral reef protection can expedite conservation efforts and advance climate justice for both humans and non-humans, ultimately addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, Biodiversity loss, and pollution.
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Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.