The Dangers of Ignoring Climate Change - Human Rights chief at Opening of the Council

Ms. Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights - Opening of Session and High-Level Segment.
In her address to the Council, Michelle Bachelet, High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted the dangers of ignoring climate change.
“How can any State’s interests be advanced by policies that damage the well-being of all humans?” she said. “This is true of climate change; you may know the saying, ‘If you think economic interests are more important than environment, try counting your money while holding your breath.’”
Bachelet also hailed the young climate activists inspired by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg. The 16-year-old recently travelled to the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland where she called for the world’s decision makers to take swifter action to limit carbon dioxide emissions and reduce global temperature rise to 2C above pre-industrial levels.
“In recent weeks I have watched children marching for sound climate change policies and other measures,” the High Commissioner said. “As a parent, a grandparent and quite simply as a human being they inspire me a fierce determination to continue our struggle to uphold their rights.”
The current session of the Human Rights Council continues until 22 March.