ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the need to and importance of integrating a human rights–based approach to addressing the impacts of climate change, through two case studies. The first case deals with the disappearance of the second largest lake in Bolivia, Lake Poopó, and the threat it represents to the communities that depend on it. The second case deals with the melting of glaciers in the northern Peruvian Andes and the consequent flooding of Lake Palcacocha, which will also have severe impacts on nearby communities.
Both cases demonstrate the impacts climate change has on the human rights of people and communities. The article will also analyze the policy measures taken by the governments of Bolivia and Peru to address climate change. Finally, the article will assess whether sufficient efforts were made to integrate a human rights–based approach into national policies for integrated and effective climate solutions.
