Businesses, human rights and the international climate change regime: The emergence of climate obligations for corporations

Abstract

This paper analyses the interrelation between climate change, businesses and human rights. The main objective is to discern the climate obligations of corporations, which should be included in the international climate change regime in order to share binding greenhouse gas emission reduction targets with States and ensure the necessary conditions for the enjoyment of human rights through the implementation of effective and comprehensive due diligence processes. To this end, the paper examines some soft law instruments that contain or clarify climate standards applicable to business activities or recognize the role of corporations in addressing climate change.