The rights you might not realize you have - Shannon Odell

Do you have a right to a healthy planet? Dig into the movement to hold governments accountable for climate change inaction.

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Since 2015, an unprecedented movement has been sweeping courts around the world. Groups of young plaintiffs are suing their governments for their inaction on tackling climate change. These suits argue that climate inaction violates their basic human rights. But what do human rights have to do with the environment? Shannon Odell examines our right to a healthy environment, food, health, and water.

Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Lorenzo Mercanti, AIM Creative Studios.

A special thanks to John Knox who provided information and insights for the development of this video.

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[strange_and_magnificent]

I agree with the people that are suing, we need a healthy environment to help uphold our human rights.

[maddiedenike]

I'm glad they pointed out that the idea of the right to a healthy environment was started in places that we in the West often characterize as "less developed." I had no idea and I think its important for us to give our heads a shake when we start thinking too highly of ourselves as "leading the way" and developing countries as trailing behind us

[hungnguyenquang]

The question should be: could we sue massive corporations and billionaires? and how can we sue when the entire system work for them and against us?

[arcie]

It’s sad watching some of these rights being stripped away from some people

[DefenseOnTitan]

If your Government allows you to sue, be grateful.
It means that they accept that they can be wrong too. Any government that has integrity, responsibility, and transparency will allow you to sue snd fight for your rights.

[Sunflowersarepretty]

Sounds great and I do hope that the world is a better place for the future generations to live in and I hope this works for long.

[pineapplestitch]

While I do believe that the UDHR was a huge step forward in human rights, the fact that it is technically not a binding set of rights makes it not as effective as it should be. Many places around the world (even the US in certain cases) see this system as more of an ideal rather than a requirement, which is highly concerning in my opinion.

[RonAhL]

A supreme court case in the Philippines allowed animals to have legal standing to sue in court, especially on violations involving environmental laws, though they must still be represented by a steward

[nilsp]

I wish we had more efficient international law enforcement and laws regarding some of the worst crimes like destruction of nature.

[IRosamelia]

As a colombiana myself, I'm proud of that court decision.

[renwulf]

“People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.”
-some libertarian.

[lucianoosorio]

“When he was twelve, the time had come then and with his eyes, he said he loved them. Then came the suits, then came the government. She stood and cried, she could not keep him.” DISPATCH

[DrFunkman]

Most people forget about this clause, but the first amendment does guarantee the right to petition the government for grievances. I don’t see why the destruction of the world shouldn’t cover that

[Terry_McKinney]

What are the consequences for citizen under dictatorial regimes trying to sue their governments? Just think about what they will sacrifice for trying to do so before answering the question.

[Tieme_]

Love the artwork on this one! I wonder: could I theoretically only sue my own government, or other governments as well?

[engvoice]

A big thank you to TED-Ed for this thought-provoking video. It delves into the intersection of human rights and the environment, sparking crucial discussions.
For English Learner, here are my notes & lessons:
The video explores the global movement where young plaintiffs sue governments for inaction on climate change, framing climate issues as a violation of basic human rights. It traces the evolution of human rights and their incorporation at the national level, emphasizing the urgency of protecting the right to a healthy environment amidst climate challenges.

Vocabulary breakdown:

0. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (noun phrase) 01:21
-Context: 'This document, known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights...'
-Explanation: UDHR is the foundational international document outlining inherent freedoms for all people, irrespective of their identity or location, forming the basis for human rights law.

1. Indigenous Laws and Worldviews (noun phrase) 02:32
-Context: 'Many countries within the Global South, often influenced by Indigenous laws...'
-Explanation: Reference to the impact of Indigenous laws and worldviews on countries, especially in the Global South, in incorporating the right to a healthy environment into their legal frameworks.

2. Enshrine (verb) 03:50
-Context: 'Today, over 150 countries and jurisdictions have enshrined the right to a healthy environment...'
-Explanation: Describes the act of officially incorporating the right to a healthy environment into national legislation, emphasizing the widespread recognition of this right.

3. Colombian Supreme Court (noun phrase) 03:58
-Context: 'On April 5th, 2018, the Colombian Supreme Court ruled in favor of the young plaintiffs...'
-Explanation: Refers to a significant legal decision where the Colombian Supreme Court supported young plaintiffs, affirming the government's legal obligation to address deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

4. UN General Assembly (noun phrase) 04:36
-Context: 'In 2022, an overwhelming majority of UN General Assembly states came together...'
-Explanation: Highlights the collective action of UN General Assembly states in recognizing the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, showcasing global cooperation on environmental human rights.

5. Global Cooperation (noun phrase) 04:57
-Context: 'It will take unprecedented global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions...'
-Explanation: Emphasizes the necessity of unparalleled international collaboration to address climate challenges, including reducing emissions, stopping deforestation, and maintaining clean waterways.

[vasilikibk]

your content haven’t failed me once I can’t describe how grateful I am for having the previlege to watch your videos for free. so many videos so great content I don’t ever have any remarks it’s amazing what you give us thank you

[kirbymarchbarcena]

Even if the people won the case, the implementation of the Court's Decision is the most difficult part.

[EnderTender]

Accountability is the first step to Responsibility

[yellowstarproductions]

Fun fact: the original title was:" Should You Sue The Government?"