Climate change is putting new pressures on justice systems everywhere.
Natural disasters and extreme weather disrupt courts and prisons, cut off access to justice, and put lives at risk. People in prison are especially vulnerable as they depend fully on authorities for safety, evacuation and even access to food and water. These risks are greater in overcrowded or poorly built facilities, or where people are older, ill or living with disabilities.
Justice systems also have a role in mitigating climate change: For instance, prisons consume large amounts of energy and water, producing waste and relying on outdated infrastructure. By shifting to more sustainable practices – such as renewable energy, water conservation, greener building design and environmentally responsible prison work – they can lower their impact while creating healthier, more dignified environments.
Bringing climate and justice together means both protecting the rights of those most at risk, and rethinking how justice systems themselves can contribute to a safer, more sustainable future.