Public interest law centre SECTION27 stressed on Wednesday that climate change is not only an academic issue but a real and significant threat, as it recommended the implementation of remote learning systems to ensure continued education in the event of extreme weather conditions, or when schools may be inaccessible owing to infrastructure damage.

The law centre released its new report titled, 'Climate Change as a Human Rights Risk: A Resource for Health and Education Rights Activists in South Africa', which focuses on the impact of climate change on children’s access to healthcare and basic education.

It explores the current state of children’s rights in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts and examines policies aimed at protecting children’s rights in a changing climate.

SECTION27 noted the devastating 2021 floods in KwaZulu-Natal, which resulted in loss of life and property damage.

“More recently, a tornado caused destruction and fatalities in the province in June. Those who were in vulnerable economic and social situations were the hardest hit. The destruction of school infrastructure and healthcare facilities had a ripple effect on the national budget,” it said.

SECTION27’s report also revealed the education sector was one of the sectors most susceptible to the effects of climate change, with candidate attorney Motheo Brodie saying this vulnerability was evident in the direct impacts on basic education, including the destruction of school infrastructure caused by extreme weather events such as floods, as well as hindered education owing to excessive heat.

In addressing the issues related to climate change, SECTION27 recommends the construction of schools that are more resilient to climate change.

“Allocation of adequate funding to prepare for and respond to such events is paramount,” it said.

The report underscores the importance of children’s health in the context of climate change, as they are particularly vulnerable to direct and indirect effects of climate change, including floods, temperature fluctuations, droughts, wildfires, infectious diseases, food insecurity and air pollution.

“Children can also experience significant psychological stress and trauma as a result of climate change,” he said.

Additionally, the report proposes retrofitting healthcare facilities, such as painting roofs white to reduce heat absorption.

SECTION27 notes that healthcare systems should be adaptable, and early-warning systems should be implemented to mitigate the impact on people without exacerbating climate change.

The report also urges relevant State institutions in health and basic education to develop appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures that respond to the impacts of climate change for these sectors. 

Brodie said the report framed climate change as a human rights issue, going into international and domestic law and what was said on those two levels.

“…[It deals with] what the obligations of the State are in relation to climate change. It goes on to speak to the impact on vulnerable groups and also explores the required adaptation to protect these two systems,” he added.

He announced that the report spoke to requiring States to adopt a child-rights-based approach to environmental protection, noting that full consideration must be given to the impact of environmental harm, including climate change, on childrens’ rights.