Amicus Curiae Brief presented by
ClientEarth
21 November 2016
emissions. It demonstrates that the decisions that these companies make about
energy production, their overall energy mix, energy efficiency, products development,
and investment in new low carbon technologies have influenced and will continue to
influence the global emissions trajectory and subsequent global climate change, well
into the future. It also further justifies the Carbon Majors being held to a higher
standard of conduct than small enterprises or individuals.
106.
Many of the Carbon Majors named in the Petition have stated that they aim to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their operations and products, and were
supportive of States coming together to sign the Paris Agreement.83 Companies that
have done so are worthy of commendation. However, the climate change issue
should be seen, not only as an environmental problem, but as a human rights
challenge, and, the Commission can and should request that the Carbon Majors do
more.
107.
The Guiding Principles should guide the Carbon Majors’ future conduct in respect
of their greenhouse gas emissions, and their future business plans. Details are
provided below in the discussion of the application of the Guiding Principles to the
human rights implications of climate change.
7.4 Conclusions on application of the Guiding Principles
108.
Principle 11 of the Guiding Principles states that business enterprises "should
respect human rights" and "avoid infringing on the human rights of others and should
address adverse human rights impacts with which they are involved". The
83
http://climateaction.unfccc.int/
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