A/75/298 based approach to all aspects of climate change and climate action. 100 This approach must include consideration of cultural rights and cultural impacts. 58. Culture has a critical role to play in humanity ’s reaction to climate change. In this time of forced editing of cultural practices, individuals and their values will be put to the test. What will be preserved? What will be sacrificed? What people decide to prioritize individually, locally, regionally and internationally will determine what change will look like. 101 59. Many necessary mitigation and adaptation measures, such as those related t o kicking our addiction to fossil fuels, 102 may require cultural change, under human rights norms. Human cultures are inherently dynamic. As stressed by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, cultural life “is an explicit reference to culture as a living process, historical, dynamic and evolving”, and “the concept of culture must be seen not as a series of isolated manifestations or hermetic compartments, but as an interactive process whereby individuals and communities, while preserving their specificities and purposes, give expression to the culture of humanity.” 103 60. Cultural rights may be subjected to limitations in certain circumstances. 104 As stressed by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, limitations should be a last resort only and should be in accordance with certain conditions as established under international human rights law. Such limitations must be in pursuit of a legitimate aim, be compatible with the nature of the right and be strictly necessary for the promotion of general welfare in a democratic society, in accordance with article 4 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Any limitations must be proportionate, meaning that, when several types of limitations may be imposed, the least restrictive measures must be taken. Fully participatory and consultative approaches, and the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples, are critical. 61. Social and cultural values can contribute to climate change and will need to evolve. It is also essential to acknowledge that certain objections to climate action in the name of culture, for example related to the automobile or cattle -raising, may also have to be overridden in accordance with human rights norms, to protect the righ ts of humanity in the face of the climate emergency. Human rights law also contains vital prohibitions which disallow using one’s own rights as a sword “aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms” of others. 105 62. Nevertheless, it is vital to recognize that real tensions may arise between essential environmental goals and lived cultures and traditions. This requires both a commitment to the imperative of effective climate action and sensitive human rights approaches, including dialogue with all stakeholders, education to help shift mindsets, economic, social and cultural support, documentation of heritage losses and the participation of and engagement with affected populations. 106 __________________ 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 16/23 Ibid., para. 62. See Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, “Global warming of 1.5°C”, p p. 51, 52, 72, 73 and 449. See A/74/161. Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 21 (2009) on the right of everyone to take part in cultural life, paras. 11 and 12. See A/HRC/31/59, paras. 25 and 26. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, art. 5; Universal Declaration of H uman Rights, art. 30. See contribution by WetFutures Ireland. 20-10595