Leading Climate Cases against Corporate Actors: Understanding Business Accountability for Human Rights Impacts Related to Climate Change

Stefanello Pires J (2026)

Publication Type: Book chapter / Article in edited volumes

Publication year: 2026

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Edited Volumes: Climate Justice: Resisting Marginalisation

ISBN: 9781009641012

Abstract

Global companies develop as internationally integrated entities, but they are not subject to a common regulatory framework. Despite being among the main contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, these companies do not have their activities regulated in relation to climate issues either (RUGGIE 2014, 13). Although they contribute to the causes of global warming (IPCC 2007, 449), they are not obliged to assume their own share of responsibility for GHG emissions, nor are they held responsible for the consequences and impacts of climate change. In July 2022, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared that the right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a human right (UN 2022). This resolution also recognized that climate change poses serious threats to the ability of present and future generations to effectively enjoy all human rights.

Addressing the business responsibility to respect human rights, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) unanimously endorsed the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) in June 2011. Although it does not specifically address climate issues, the UNGPs states that businesses have a responsibility to respect internationally recognized human rights, which includes not violating human rights and addressing any negative impacts their activities may cause (UN 2011). However, these documents are voluntary and do not provide any sanctions for parties who do not respect their terms and principles.

Authors with CRIS profile

Julia Stefanello Pires Lehrstuhl für International Business, Society and Sustainability

How to cite

APA:

Stefanello Pires, J. (2026). Leading Climate Cases against Corporate Actors: Understanding Business Accountability for Human Rights Impacts Related to Climate Change. In Eklavya Vasudev, Marie-Sophie Keller, Siddharth Peter de Souza (Eds.), Climate Justice: Resisting Marginalisation. Cambridge University Press.

MLA:

Stefanello Pires, Julia. "Leading Climate Cases against Corporate Actors: Understanding Business Accountability for Human Rights Impacts Related to Climate Change." Climate Justice: Resisting Marginalisation. Ed. Eklavya Vasudev, Marie-Sophie Keller, Siddharth Peter de Souza, Cambridge University Press, 2026.

BibTeX: Download