—- demands greater funding from high- income Nations

At COP29, Dr. Cynthia Umezulike, an international human rights lawyer, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development, Energy Transitions, and Climate Change at the University of Bedfordshire UK, has issued a clarion call for a human rights-based approach to global climate action.

Speaking at COP29, on behalf of vulnerable nations disproportionately affected by climate change, Dr. Umezulike emphasized the urgent need for high-income countries—historically the largest carbon emitters—to significantly increase their financial contributions under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

Dr. Umezulike, also President of the Global Human Rights Centre London and a recipient of MIPAD’s Global 100 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent Award, outlined a comprehensive agenda for gender-responsive climate action. She highlighted the critical role of women workers in climate resilience efforts, calling for their voices and contributions to be recognized. Her vision includes closing wage gaps, ending wage theft, and creating safe, equitable working conditions, especially in industries deeply affected by climate crises, such as agriculture and manufacturing.

A Call for Legislation, Not Just Corporate Responsibility

Dr. Umezulike’s address underscored the need to move beyond voluntary corporate social responsibility frameworks to enforceable legal mandates. She urged governments to draw from universally ratified international human rights treaties and implement binding policies that integrate climate and labor rights. This approach, she argued, would ensure accountability across global supply chains.

“Human rights due diligence must address environmental diversity, including biodiversity, CO2 emissions, and robust transparency mechanisms,” Dr. Umezulike stated. “Governments and companies alike must be held to account to protect both people and the planet.”

The Climate Sustainability Activist also endorsed EU-style regulations that penalize non-compliant corporations with product confiscation, restricted market access, and fines of up to 4% of their annual turnover.

Prioritizing Vulnerable Communities in the Climate Finance Agenda

Dr. Umezulike drew attention to the plight of vulnerable nations, which are often the least responsible for climate change but bear its harshest consequences. She emphasized that the NCQG must center on the needs of these communities, ensuring their voices are not sidelined in global negotiations.

“The climate crisis is a human rights crisis,” she asserted. “We cannot afford to continue ignoring the disproportionate burden placed on the world’s most vulnerable populations. High-income nations must step up—not just with rhetoric but with tangible financial commitments.”

Gender-Responsive Solutions for a Sustainable Future

A leading voice for gender equality, Dr. Umezulike advocated for integrating women’s rights into climate policy frameworks. She emphasized the importance of providing targeted protections and socio-economic empowerment for women, particularly in regions most affected by climate-related disasters.

Her recommendations include prioritizing workers’ welfare during and after climate crises and creating policies that amplify the voices of marginalized groups. “Gender-responsive climate action isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic one. Women are at the forefront of climate adaptation and resilience efforts. Their inclusion is non-negotiable if we are to achieve a sustainable and equitable future,” she said.

A Vision for the Future

As Chair and Director of the International Conference on Human Rights, Sustainability, and Climate Change, Dr. Umezulike called on the global community to recognize the inextricable link between human rights and climate action. “The transition to a human rights-centered approach is not optional—it is essential,” she concluded.

Her bold vision for a sustainable, equitable future resonated across COP29, serving as a rallying cry for policymakers, activists, and industry leaders to place human rights at the heart of climate solutions.

Dr Cynthia C. Umezulike is the President of Global Human Rights Centre London, Senior Lecturer in Law and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development, Energy Transition and Climate Change at the University of Bedfordshire UK. She is the Chair and Director of the International Conference on Human Rights, Sustainability and Climate Change and was recommended by the United Nations Consultative Group to the President of the Human Rights Council for the Independent Expert Mandate of Working Group on the People of African Descent and Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas. Dr. Umezulike was listed on the Global 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40.