The greener side of human rights

The topic of human rights encompasses the protection of the environment. Indeed, the dwindling of the earth?s natural resources has led to many conflicts, which, in turn, have led to an erosion of human rights. In its annual report for the year 2007, the National Human Rights Commission (NHCR) refers to the United Nations Global Compact ?to promote corporate social responsibility?. Several Mauritian firms have signed the compact, thus committing themselves to ?sustaining the protection of the environment? and ?promoting awareness of environmental protection?.

?By signing the United Nations Global Compact, a company not only supports its labour force but undertakes to respect human rights?, explains the NHRC, which also believes that ?a major impact can be made on the environment where hotels and other companies embellish the environment to enhance the quality of life for Mauritians and to make Mauritius an attractive tourist destination?. You too can encourage companies to ratify the UN Global Compact by enquiring about which ones have and haven?t signed up.

Leaders tackle climate change

In its May 5 edition entitled Turning Green: How growing fear of global warming is pushing leaders to act, or at least say they will, even in America, Newsweek offers a comprehensive overview of what some of the world?s leaders are doing to tackle climate change. Iceland?s Geir Haarde, China?s Hu Jintao, Germany?s Angela Merkel and UK?s Gordon Brown are but a few of the politicians profiled in The New Green Leaders. Although it?s advisable not to believe everything that you read, Newsweek does show that a momentum is building to at least begin addressing the problem. The US presidential elections are also in Newsweek line of sight. In A leadership reality check, Evan Thomas and Pat Wingert argue that ?change may require Clinton?s grit, Obama?s eloquence, McCain?s gumption?. Another interesting article is 10 Fixes for the Planet, which discusses ways of cleaning up our acts. LED light bulbs, plastic solar cells and the democratization of green products are but a few solutions. ?We have to stop treating the earth as a wholly-owned subsidiary of our economy?, Newsweek quotes Stonyfield Farm?s Gary Hirshberg as saying. Hear, hear!