Beyond Material Loss: Exploring Non-Economic Impacts of Climate Change through Community and Faith-Based Perspectives

About this Event

Climate change presents multifaceted challenges that extend beyond economic losses and damages, encompassing spiritual, cultural, and human rights dimensions that are often overlooked in traditional assessments. According to the UNFCCC (FCCC/TP/2013/2), economic losses are defined as the loss of resources, goods, and services that are commonly traded in markets.  Conversely, non-economic losses encompass items not commonly traded in markets, such as territory, cultural heritage, and indigenous knowledge. The absence of a market price makes assessing non-economic losses challenging, yet their impact on human welfare is no less significant.

At the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Secretary General published an analytical report on Loss and Damage, which addresses the significant impacts of climate change on human rights, including the rights to life, health, housing, food and a healthy environment. It emphasizes that loss and damage due to climate change can harm a wide range of these rights, and that States should take mitigation and adaptation measures to protect present and future generations. The report also underscores the need for human rights-centered policies to address climate-related loss and damage, mobilize resources, ensure access to justice and promote a just transition to a sustainable economy.

Joint Research on Non-Economic Loss and Damage (NELD)

Between April to August 2024, Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights (GIF) a coalition of human rights and faith-based organizations, conducted a research study, “Beyond Material Loss: Exploring Non-Economic Impacts of Climate Change through Faith-Based Perspectives”. The objective of this study is to gather insights from individuals belonging to various faith traditions on their perceptions, experiences, and recommendations regarding the non-economic impacts of climate change. By examining the role of faith communities in understanding, and addressing these impacts, we aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of climate-induced non-economic loss and damage. The findings of this study will inform policy recommendations aimed at integrating faith-based and human rights approaches into frameworks addressing the non-economic impacts of climate change.

In this light, this side event to HRC57 aims:

1. To have a dialogue with experts on Non-Economic Loss and Damage from the human rights perspective
2. To present the findings of the Research Study Beyond Material Loss: Exploring Non-Economic Impacts of Climate Change through Faith-Based Perspectives.
3. To advance the understanding of loss and damage, with a focus on the impact on vulnerable communities and the human rights implications of climate change-related loss and damage.

Environment @ HRC57

The 57th regular session of the Human Rights Council (HRC57) is taking place in Geneva and online from 9 September to 11 October 2024. With the environment high on the agenda, consult regular updates on key environmental issues at HRC57, side events, and further resources available on our dedicated HRC57 and the environment update.

Speakers

Marissa Noelani TOOMATA

First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Samoa to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Elisa MORGERA

UN Special Rapporteur on climate change and human rights

Salvador NIETO

Author of the research on Non-Economic Loss and Damage

Rina KUUSIPALO

Human Rights Officer, UN Human Rights

James BAGHWAN

Secretary General, Pacific Council of Churches

Elena CEDILLO

Program Executive, Climate Justice, The Lutheran World Federation / Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights | Moderator

Highlights

Video

Documents

• Flyer

Links

• Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights
• Human Rights, Climate Change, and the Role of Geneva | GEN
• Human Rights and the Environment | GEN