Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment

In Southeast Asia, the surge and intensification of climate-related disasters compounded by alarming levels of environmental degradation and land violations caused by development aggression (such as mining, logging, agribusiness plantations, so-called ‘green’ energy projects, mega-dams, and infrastructure) result in immense harm to the sustainability of ecosystems, carbon sinks and biodiversity of terrestrial landscapes and aquatic life, and consequently to human well-being. However, the impacts of climate change and struggles over resources are not experienced equally across the continent, as pre-existing power structures and intersectional disparities are exaggerated in times of crises and distress.

In Indonesia and the Philippines, climate change caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions is leading to ever more extreme weather patterns. The two archipelagos are among the most vulnerable places to climate change disasters owing to their geographical locations. Indonesia is estimated to have one of the largest coastal populations exposed to flooding, while also being highly exposed to tropical cyclones. The Philippines is one of the most typhoon-prone countries worldwide. In both countries, droughts are expected to increase in frequency and intensity given the association with El Niño events through warmer global temperatures as a result of anthropogenic climate change. Thus, both countries are highly disposed to disasters, leading to landscape destruction, food insecurity, migration, and forced displacement.

This is IWGIA's submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment, submitted on the UN General Aseembly in June 2024.