The lack of meaningful global climate action has led to an exponential increase in the pressure to decarbonise the global economy. This presents a significant risk of what is known as a disorderly transition, where fast-moving decarbonisation strategies have the potential to cause significant adverse human rights impacts for individuals and communities. To promote a just transition, businesses of all sizes must take a rights-based approach to decarbonisation, placing the business responsibility to respect human rights at the centre of decarbonisation decisions.

Decarbonisation, as a strategy that serves to advance global goals, is also good for business. Today, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can effectively and equitably decarbonise their operations will enjoy a competitive advantage in dealing with organisations that have strict carbon emissions targets. Over time it will become a business imperative for all organisations to demonstrate a clear, effective and equitable decarbonisation strategy. Those who cannot, will find it increasingly difficult to compete in the emerging low-carbon economy and mitigate the risks of climate change to their business.

Readers of this report will obtain an understanding of the intersection between climate change and human rights and how their business can demonstrate its responsibility to respect human rights.