to levels that will lead to dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system resulting
in human rights impacts.”25
The petitioners again, appropriately, rely on the UN Guiding Principles to support the claim that
“responsibility is not contingent on a company being the sole cause of a human rights impact;”
thus, when combined with the Carbon Majors study, they conclude that it is now feasible to
assign responsibility both collectively and individually to Carbon Majors.26
Conclusion
In conclusion, in my opinion, the exercise of jurisdiction by the Commission over this Petition
would be in keeping with the duty of the Philippines to protect the human rights of its peoples
from climate harms, by investigating whether the investor-owned Carbon Majors have breached
their own independent responsibility to respect human rights. Moreover, the remedies sought
by the petitioners are entirely appropriate, including the request that the investor-owned Carbon
Majors submit plans indicating how these violations or threat of violations will be “eliminated
and remedied and prevented in the future.” The request that other States, including the States
of incorporation of the investor-owned Carbon Majors, be called upon to “take steps to prevent,
remedy, or eliminate human rights violations or threats of violations resulting from the impact
of climate change” is also entirely reasonable. Indeed, it is in keeping with the duty of
international cooperation that is essential to solving the climate crisis.
Sincerely,
Sara L Seck
Contact: sseck@uwo.ca
London, Ontario, Canada
25
26
Petition at 22.
Petition at 23.
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