From Fossil Fuels to Food Systems: UN Experts Set Human Rights Priorities for COP31

The experts urged COP31 negotiators to extend the existing climate mitigation work programme, making the phase-out of fossil fuels in all forms a central priority.

United Nations human rights experts have urged governments attending COP31 to make human rights a central part of global climate negotiations, warning that rising temperatures and worsening environmental disasters are placing millions of lives at risk. Their appeal comes as scientific reports indicate that global warming is on course to exceed the 1.5°C threshold, with a powerful El Niño event adding to climate-related pressures. The experts believe stronger emission reductions, climate adaptation and accountability are urgently needed to protect communities facing increasingly dangerous conditions.

Countries contributing the least to climate change often experience some of its most damaging consequences, leaving vulnerable populations struggling with disasters, food insecurity and economic losses. The experts called for international cooperation that reflects these unequal burdens and provides meaningful assistance to nations facing the greatest climate threats. They stressed that governments must ensure people affected by climate-related harm can seek justice and effective remedies.

The warning comes amid growing concerns about threats to international cooperation, judicial independence and the rule of law, raising questions about governments' willingness to fulfil their climate and human rights commitments. According to the experts, COP31 must produce decisions that reflect existing international obligations rather than allowing economic and political interests to weaken environmental protections. Their recommendations focus on ending fossil fuel dependence, transforming food production, holding polluters accountable and ensuring that communities can participate freely in climate negotiations.

Ending Fossil Fuel Dependence and Transforming Food Systems

The experts urged COP31 negotiators to extend the existing climate mitigation work programme, making the phase-out of fossil fuels in all forms a central priority. Recent disruptions to global fuel and food supplies have demonstrated how dependence on fossil fuels can threaten economic stability, national independence and access to essential resources. They criticised governments and businesses that continue protecting fossil fuel profits despite the environmental and human costs, pointing to growing public protests over these concerns.

Food production deserves greater attention in climate negotiations because agricultural systems contribute to global warming and depend heavily on fossil fuel-based products. Plastics, pesticides and fertilisers derived from fossil fuels can damage ecosystems, threaten public health and undermine food security, creating additional difficulties for communities already experiencing poverty. The experts called for a dedicated COP31 decision supporting the reduction of fossil fuel dependence and harmful chemicals throughout food systems.

Indigenous Peoples, small-scale farmers and women leading agroecological initiatives should receive greater recognition for their contributions to sustainable food production and environmental protection. The experts identified ecosystem-based small-scale fishing and pastoralism as valuable climate solutions that can strengthen local livelihoods and reduce ecological damage. Supporting these approaches could protect people's rights to health and a healthy environment across both land and ocean ecosystems.

Making Polluters Accountable for Climate Damage

The experts called for the International Court of Justice's climate advisory opinion and the UN Secretary-General's position that polluters should pay for climate harm to influence COP31 decisions. They stressed that climate accountability should extend beyond government promises and address the environmental damage caused by industries and other major contributors to global emissions. Countries and communities suffering climate-related losses need stronger protections and effective ways to obtain remedies for harm.

Carbon markets attracted particular concern because the experts warned that existing arrangements can benefit fossil fuel companies and major technology businesses without adequately addressing climate damage. They raised concerns about disinformation and the growing environmental footprint of artificial intelligence and data centres, particularly their increasing demand for electricity, water and mineral resources. These pressures, they argued, deserve closer examination as governments consider how economic activities, new technologies and climate policies affect human rights.

Protecting Climate Defenders and Ensuring Inclusive Participation

The experts called on the UN Climate Secretariat, host country Türkiye and COP31 co-presidency partner Australia to guarantee meaningful participation for Indigenous Peoples, children, young people and environmental human rights defenders. They stressed that communities directly affected by climate change must have genuine opportunities to influence decisions, rather than being excluded from negotiations shaping their futures. Inclusive participation should become an essential part of the Just Transition Mechanism expected to be adopted in Antalya, ensuring that climate policies consider the rights and needs of affected populations.

Concerns about restrictions on civil society in Türkiye have raised questions about whether environmental campaigners and human rights defenders will be able to participate freely in COP31 activities. The experts recalled Türkiye's commitment to the UN Human Rights Council to maintain a safe environment for civic participation throughout the conference, warning that restrictions could discourage public engagement. They concluded that meaningful climate progress requires protecting fundamental freedoms, ensuring accountability for environmental harm and delivering practical measures that give vulnerable communities greater security and hope for the future.