Climate, nature, land-use change and human rights

Abstract

A transition to a low-carbon society is deeply needed, as a combined response to both the nature crisis and the climate crisis. To achieve a sustainable transition - built on inclusion, equity, and protection of nature and human rights - these challenges need to be handled in integration. This report is based on a review of existing research and knowledge. It focuses both on how climate change impacts societies, individuals, and current land use, and on a set of climate change mitigation solutions that potentially conflict with other land-use interests. The report highlights different ways in which the low-carbon transition leaves a clear footprint on, and under the ground. For example, through renewable energy production, privatised areas for forest carbon storage, and mineral extraction. A main goal of the report is to provide knowledge for public authorities and development-cooperation agencies on how to reduce negative effects of climate change, facilitate rapid transitions to low-carbon societies, while simultaneously avoiding policies and measures that may challenge human rights or have a negative impact on the attainment of other sustainability goals.