Protecting the territorial and resource dimension of self-determination from climate change impacts

Resumo

This article argues that the right of self-determination contains a ‘territorial and resource dimension’ which protects a people’s connection to territory and resources in certain circumstances. After analysing this territorial and resource dimension in the context of decolonizing peoples, peoples under some kinds of foreign occupation, and Indigenous Peoples, the article proposes that the territorial and resource dimension of self-determination should be recognized in relation to peoples vulnerable to climate change impacts, or ‘climate vulnerable peoples.’ The article discusses the possibility of breach of this territorial and resource dimension of self-determination by high-developed, high-emissions States, and the possible legal consequences associated with this breach of self-determination.