Department of Physics
Research, teaching and outreach in Physics at UW–Madison

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Chaos & Complex Systems Seminar
Climate change and chaos: The impact on people through a human rights lens
Date: Tuesday, December 13th
Time: 12:05 pm - 1:00 pm
Place: 4274 Chamberlin (refreshments will be served)
Speaker: Sumudu Atapattu, Director, Research Centers, UW Law School
Abstract: Climate change is referred to as the most complex global issue facing humanity today. It has repercussions for not just the current generations but for generations to come. The current projections are that we are heading towards a temperature increase of 4 degrees Celsius although the international community has pledged to limit the temperature increase to 2 degrees Celsius which is considered as a “safe” limit even though it could mean the total inundation for small island states. Even a global temperature increase of 2 degrees can have far reaching implications for human beings. A recent World Bank report suggests that a 4-degree increase could be catastrophic for people and the environment. <br>
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This presentation looks at the implications of climate change on human beings through a human rights lens. Climate change also raises profound justice issues as the impact on poor and vulnerable states and communities will be disproportionate to their greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change will undermine many of the rights protected under international human rights law and disproportionately affect poor, marginalized communities. The presentation also discusses the impact on small island states and their inhabitants who stand to lose everything including statehood. It will also discuss “climate refugees” and the potential impact of the movement of a large number of people on the world order
Host: Clint Sprott
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