Framing Environmental Human Rights in the Anthropocene

doi:10.1017/9781009039642.002

1 - Framing Environmental Human Rights in the Anthropocene

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 March 2023

Michelle Scobie

Edited by

Walter F. Baber and

James R. May

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Walter F. Baber: Affiliation:
California State University, Long Beach
James R. May: Affiliation:
Widener University, Delaware Law School

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Summary

One of the defining characteristics of the Anthropocene, characterised by a new and destructive human–nature relationship, is that for the first time in humanity’s history, the access to a clean and healthy environment is uncertain for large groups of persons and ecosystems. This transformational shift in humankind’s relationship to nature was the catalyst for a debate between scholars, policy-makers and environmental and human rights activists on whether there is a right to the environment and who would be the right and duty holders. To the extent that the intrinsic value and agency of nature is recognised, there is also the related question of the rights of nature, or the right of the environment not to suffer the effects of the Anthropocene.

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Type: Chapter
Information: Environmental Human Rights in the Anthropocene
Concepts, Contexts, and Challenges
, pp. 9 - 30

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009039642.002 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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