A/75/298 representatives of the future, but as full participants in making climate policy in the present. 16 10. The climate emergency also threatens humanity in its entirety and all human cultures and cannot be comprehended purely in sectoral terms. 17 The response therefore needs to manifest both globally and locally, displaying both universality, in the form of a concerted global response, but also diversity, in terms of addressing specific impacts, actors and opportunities. 11. Moreover, we must be clear about the sources of this emergency. “The poorest half of the world’s population, 3.9 billion people, generate only 10 per cent of global emissions. Conversely, the richest 10 per cent produce half of global emissions.” 18 However, the lives and cultures of all have been put at risk, with those having contributed the least to creating the problem often most at risk. Three quarters of global emissions are produced by 20 States. 19 Taking into account historical emissions, some nations are disproportionately responsible for the climate crisis. The United States has produced 25 per cent of global emissions since 1751, followed by China with 12 per cent. 20 These facts have important ramifications for the human rights obligations of developed States, which must reduce emissions more rapidly and pay the lion’s share of the costs to assist developing States. 21 12. “Instability and abnormality are the new normal.” 22 The factual case is clear. However, to date, we have collectively failed to take the necessary effective action to protect ourselves. The Secretary-General and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have indicated that such action is still possible, and many steps are being taken. However, the window of time in which to avoid catastrophic climate change is closing rapidly, likely by the end of the present decade. In this context, the Special Rapporteur wishes to add her voice to the great chorus of youth, scientists, advocates and ordinary people around the world calling for urgent action to ensure a safe climate for humanity and its cultures – now. 13. Such urgent action is the only way to protect human rights, including cultural rights, in 2020 and beyond. Business as usual is not possible, even in the United Nations human rights system. 23 Continuing to consistently focus on this issue during the current pandemic is the only way we can succeed in: (a) Responding to the health situation; (b) (Re)constructing in a more rights-protecting manner; (c) Perhaps even preventing further such outbreaks in future. All relevant actors at the international and national levels must act with determination. No country can do so effectively by itself. 14. While climate change has been exhaustively defined and mapped as a human rights crisis, the cultural and cultural rights dimensions have been too often overlooked by climate and human rights experts, on the one hand, and those in the __________________ 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 20-10595 Under principle 21 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, “The creativity, ideals and courage of the youth of the world should be mobilized to forge a global partnership in order to achieve sustainable development and ensure a better future for all.” See A/HRC/41/39. A/74/161, para. 13. See A/74/161, para. 14. Our World in Data, “CO₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions”, sect., Cumulative CO2 emissions (December 2019). Available at https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gasemissions#the-long-run-history-cumulative-co2. See A/74/161, para. 14. See contribution by Minority Rights Group International. See A/HRC/41/39, para. 83. 5/23