Climate Change as a Human Rights Crisis in the United States: Evaluating Government Response and Accountability

Abstract

Climate change is not just an environmental crisis; it is a fundamental human rights violation issue. This paper examines the impact of climate change on the communities in the United States, highlighting violations of essential human rights such as the right to life, health, and an adequate standard of living. Through case studies of extreme weather events, including the 2025 LA wildfires and the 2024 hurricanes in Florida, the research underscores how climate-induced disasters harm low-income and minority populations. It critiques the U.S. government's climate policies and disaster response mechanisms, exposing systemic inequalities in resource distribution and emergency assistance (UN Human Rights Council, 2023).

Drawing from international human rights frameworks, this paper argues for stronger legal protections and climate policies that prioritize social equity and environmental justice. The discussion includes an analysis of the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA climate initiatives, and FEMA's role in disaster relief, assessing their effectiveness in mitigating human rights violations (Environmental Protection Agency, 2025). Additionally, the paper aligns policy recommendations with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to advocate for a more inclusive, rights-based approach to climate action (United Nations, 2025).

This paper is both an academic analysis and a personal commitment to advancing environmental justice, ensuring that climate policies serve all communities equitably, rather than exacerbating existing social injustices.