Challenges of our Time: Climate change: greatest human rights challenge of our times?
The University of Stirling and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities invites you to the final lecture in our 'Challenges of our Time' lecture series, part of our 50th anniversary celebrations.
The event is free of charge, but we ask that you register in advance.
Abstract
In this two-part talk, Jack McConnell and Andrea Schapper will speak about climate change, climate justice and sustainable development.
The Rt Hon Lord Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland, will introduce the lecture and share his thoughts on climate justice and sustainable development drawing upon his experiences in diplomacy and politics. Lord McConnell is an alumnus of the University of Stirling, and a former President of the Students' Union. He is currently active in supporting peace processes around the world, and on the UN Global Goals.
Dr Andrea Schapper, Division of History and Politics, will explore how the relationship between climate change and human rights flows in two directions: On the one hand, the consequences of climate change – including droughts, floods and extreme weather events – lead to adverse effects on the right to life, the right to self-determination and the rights to food, water, adequate housing and health. On the other hand, the implementation of climate policy instruments can also infringe on the rights of local populations and indigenous peoples. Dr Schapper will address situations of climate injustice between developing and developed countries, between more and less affluent societal groups, between past, present and future generations, and between different species. She will show how vulnerable groups are affected by climate change and climate policies at the local level and how these local experiences are used by human rights advocacy groups for policy change at the international level.
Following the talk, and to bring the Challenges of Our Time week to a close, the audience is invited to join Lord McConnell and members of the University at a drinks reception in the Crush Hall. Dr Peter Lynch will formally thank Lord McConnell for donating his archive to the Scottish Political Archive at the University and visitors will have the opportunity to view a curated exhibition from the McConnell Archive. The Archive will be opened in phases from 2017.
Speakers
Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale and Dr Andrea Schapper, University of Stirling
Registration
This lecture is free to attend and but we ask that you please register online in advance.
Further information
If you require any further information please contact the University's Events Team at events@stir.ac.uk.