1. Natural disasters and extreme weather—like floods, heatwaves, storms and earthquakes—are becoming more frequent and intense. These events disrupt courts, prisons and probation services, often cutting off essential access to justice in places where systems are already fragile.
2. During natural disasters people in prison are especially vulnerable, because they cannot leave when danger strikes, those in detention are completely reliant on authorities for evacuation and basic necessities like food, water and safe shelter. Many prisons are overcrowded, poorly built or lack adequate sanitation, compounding risks during emergencies.
3. Despite growing disaster-risk planning at national levels, prison systems are frequently overlooked. Without tailored emergency protocols, authorities—and those in custody—are left scrambling when crisis hits, increasing the likelihood of injury, unrest or worse. Failures in disaster readiness can undermine human rights including for people in detention or in contact with the justice system with delayed trials, disrupted justice processes, and a lack of access to justice.
5. When it comes to climate change, prisons are an overlooked part of the story. Justice systems are often left out of national climate planning, yet they face serious risks and also have opportunities to reduce their own impact. Detention facilities often consume huge amounts of energy and water, and generate excessive waste. Simple green interventions—such as renewable energy, better insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving systems—can cut resource use, costs and emissions while creating safer environments.
6. “Green projects” in prisons can benefit rehabilitation too. Engaging people in prison in green initiatives —like gardening, composting, or green trades—not only supports environmental goals but also develops skills, promotes well-being, and fosters purpose—paving the way for meaningful reintegration.
7. Community-based measures and sanctions are also a way of serving climate resilience. Alternatives to imprisonment—such as community service or local conservation projects—offer dual advantages: reducing detention-related emissions, while enhancing community-led climate action and repairing social bonds.