Building business, human rights and climate change synergies in Southeast Asia: what the Philippines’ National Inquiry on Climate Change could mean for ASEAN

Abstract

Climate change has a profound impact on economic growth, development and social progress. Climate action, through greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation to current and predicted effects of climate change, has only recently begun to consider the range of human rights implications both of action and inaction when it comes to mitigating climate impacts. While states are the primary duty bearers for the human rights of their citizens, recent examples of climate change litigation offer unique opportunities to consider the role and responsibilities of corporations for their contributions to anthropogenic climate change. The Philippines’ National Inquiry on Climate Change (NICC) offers an innovative approach to understanding the interplay and synergies between business, human rights and climate change, highlighting the increasing importance of these relationships. Building on the NICC’s preliminary findings, this article considers the nexus between business, human rights and climate change in the ASEAN context and reflects on the significance of domestic climate change litigation for regional governance approaches, policymaking and cooperation.