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industries.Yet, as individual consumers, each one of us must also take responsibility for
the role of our consumption habits in climate-related human rights impacts.
Indeed, “an important contributor to global emissions is over-consumption.”572
Consequently, a just transition toward a carbonless economy cannot be achieved
through mere technological innovations and global changes in national policies, but also
necessarily includes reduction in demand by altering consumer habits and mindsets.
Thus, the Commission invites self-reflection to examine whether our behavior
contributes to excessive and irresponsible consumerism, and recommends that we
consciously take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and make positive choices to
adopt a climate-friendly lifestyle consistent with global efforts for climate change
mitigation and adaptation.
As Shareholders and Investors
The Commission encourages global citizens to be informed shareholders and investors.
Knowledge of production chains, corporate values, and business practices and the
individual investment choices made based on this information will ultimately shape
and fuel the global response to climate change. Support must be given to clean and
green products and business enterprises instead of those that seek to profit at the cost
of the destruction of our common home.
As Electorate
Pope Francis in his encyclical letter, Laudato Si’, reminds us that we need “leadership
capable of striking out new paths and meeting the needs of the present with concern
for all and without prejudice towards coming generations.573 Thus, the Commission
calls on all global citizens to elect responsible leaders. Individual efforts will be for
naught if those in power or those who make and influence policies are blind to the
plight of the planet. Everyone must exercise their right to vote in favor of those who
will champion the fundamental human right of present and future generations to live
with dignity in a home safe from the grave and fatal impacts of climate change.
572
Expert Group on Climate Obligations of Enterprises, Principles on Climate Obligations of Enterprises
(2018), at 30.
573
Laudato Si', supra note 304, para. 53.
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