Socioeconomic and Cultural Rights and the Anthropocene

Environmental Human Rights in the Anthropocene: Concepts, Contexts, and Challenges (Walter F. Baber & James R. May eds., Cambridge University Press, 2023).

28 Pages Posted: 3 Apr 2023

See all articles by James R. May

James R. May

Washburn University - Washburn University School of Law; Widener University Delaware Law School; Haub School of Law at Pace University

Date Written: March 27, 2023

Abstract

This chapter explores the role of existing social, economic, and cultural rights (SECRs) in advancing environmental human rights. It does so to underscore the complementary and often central role SECRs play in addressing environmental concerns. Indeed, courts have long vindicated rights to life, dignity and health, including in environmental contexts associated with the Anthropocene. Courts and tribunals around the globe – principally in the Indian subcontinent and in South America – have turned to SECRs to engage issues involving access to clean water and healthy air, pollution control, biodiversity protection, and climate change, and done so notwithstanding legal recognition of Environmental Human Rights. This chapter explains why and what it means for advancing a right to a healthy environment by other means.

Keywords: Environment, Human Rights, Environmental Human Rights, Anthropocene

Suggested Citation

May, James, Socioeconomic and Cultural Rights and the Anthropocene (March 27, 2023). Environmental Human Rights in the Anthropocene: Concepts, Contexts, and Challenges (Walter F. Baber & James R. May eds., Cambridge University Press, 2023)., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4402007 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4402007

James May (Contact Author)

Washburn University - Washburn University School of Law ( email )

1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
United States

Widener University Delaware Law School ( email )

4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803-0406
United States

Haub School of Law at Pace University ( email )

78 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
United States

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