Just Access

In this powerful episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher is joined by Dr. Tom Sparks (Director of Just Access) and Dr. Lucas Sanchez (Head of Strategic Litigation at Just Access) for the first part of a two-part conversation exploring the intersection of climate change adaptation, children’s rights, and international law.Together, they break down a groundbreaking communication that Just Access is submitting to multiple UN Special Rapporteurs, challenging Germany’s approach to climate adaptation for its failure to adequately protect children.You’ll learn:🌍 The difference between climate change mitigation and adaptation⚖️ Why children are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change📜 How Germany’s current laws fall short from a human rights perspective👶 Why a children’s rights-based approach is essential in climate adaptation🌐 The potential global impact of this first-ever international communication on adaptationThis is the first international effort to set human rights precedents for climate adaptation, building on the momentum of existing climate litigation around mitigation. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in climate justice, human rights law, or strategic litigation.👉 Part 2 of this conversation will dive into the legal mechanics of the communication process and what outcomes Just Access hopes to see. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!📢 Get Involved:Help us spread awareness and demand better climate protections for children. Share this episode and learn more about how you can be a human rights defender: https://just-access.de/donate💌 Contact Us:We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Email us at: podcast@just-access.de🎧 Listen now on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🎙️ Host: Dr. Miranda Melcher🎙️ Guest: Professor Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate ChangeIn this second part of our conversation with Professor Elisa Morgera, we dive deeper into the intersection of climate change and human rights, particularly focusing on the vulnerability of children. We also explore:🌍 How industries contribute to climate change and the role of regulation👶 The specific human rights challenges children face due to climate change📜 The UN Special Rapporteur’s communication procedures and how individuals can raise concerns💡 How listeners can engage in human rights advocacy and researchIf you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out for a broader introduction to Professor Morgera’s work.🔗 Get in touch: Share your thoughts or suggest future topics at podcast@just-access.de💙 Support our work: Donate at just-access.de/donate⭐ Rate & Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review—it helps spread the word!🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation on human rights and climate justice!

🌍 Episode Summary:In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, Dr. Miranda Melcher sits down with Professor Elisa Morgera to explore the critical intersections between climate change and human rights. As the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change, Professor Morgera provides a deep dive into her role, the challenges of addressing climate change through a human rights lens, and the need for stronger collaboration between legal, environmental, and scientific communities.Key topics include:✅ What it means to be a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change✅ How climate change is a human rights crisis and why human rights law should guide climate action✅ The role of the UN Human Rights Council in shaping global climate justice efforts✅ Collaboration between different Special Rapporteurs and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches✅ Why access to climate information and public participation are essential for fair climate policies✅ The psychological impacts of climate change, including eco-anxiety and climate grief💡 “Climate change is shaping our lives and well-being daily. Human rights are not just an add-on to climate action—they are essential for effective, fair, and meaningful responses.” – Professor Elisa Morgera📢 Next Episode Teaser:This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for Part 2, where Professor Morgera dives even deeper into the legal frameworks guiding climate action, national adaptation plans, and how communities can ensure their rights are upheld in climate policies.🔔 Don’t miss out! Subscribe and follow Just Access Podcast for more insightful conversations on human rights and justice.📩 Get in Touch:📧 Email us: podcast@just-access.de🌍 Visit our website: just-access.de💬 Follow us on social media & share your thoughts!💙 Support Our Work:Just Access is a non-profit dedicated to promoting human rights and justice. If you believe in our mission, consider making a donation at just-access.de/donate. Every contribution helps us continue our work!

In this episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues her insightful discussion with Amy Rose, the Global Director of Litigation, Governance, and Legal Services at ClientEarth. Amy shares her expertise on the evolving landscape of climate litigation, the challenges of systemic change, and the innovative strategies used to address the world’s most pressing environmental issues.From groundbreaking human rights cases to biodiversity protection and sustainable food systems, Amy reveals the intricate processes behind ClientEarth’s work and highlights the role of strategic litigation in creating impactful change. The conversation also touches on gaps in access to justice and the inspiring role of younger generations in driving environmental advocacy.Key Topics Covered: • The current state and future of climate litigation (01:37) • Strategic litigation beyond climate: tackling biodiversity loss, marine ecosystems, and sustainable food systems (07:18) • The importance of collaboration and systems thinking in ClientEarth’s approach (09:16) • Navigating challenges in standing, causation, and extraterritoriality in litigation (17:00) • Access to justice gaps in the EU’s state aid system (23:00) • Inspiring hope: the role of younger generations in environmental advocacy (26:12)Call to Action:If you’re inspired by Amy’s work and want to support access to justice and environmental advocacy, consider donating to Just Access by visiting just-access.de/donate. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to make human rights effective for all.Connect With Us: • Follow us on social media and share this episode with your friends. • Email us your feedback or topic suggestions at podcast@just-access.de. • Don’t forget to leave a review on your favorite podcast app – we’d love to hear your thoughts

In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Amy Rose, the Global Director of Litigation, Governance, and Legal Services at ClientEarth. ClientEarth is a world-leading environmental organization that uses the law to tackle pressing environmental challenges.In this first part of their conversation, Amy shares her journey into law—from her beginnings in political science to her global career in litigation, including her impactful work at ClientEarth. They explore: • The evolution of Amy’s career, from commercial litigation to environmental advocacy. • The power of strategic litigation as a tool for systemic change. • Why broad legal experience is valuable for addressing complex challenges. • Amy’s advice for aspiring human rights defenders and environmental advocates.💡 Key takeaway: Strategic litigation is a high-leverage tool to protect the environment and enforce the rule of law, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle in the fight for justice.🎧 Don’t miss Part 2, where Amy and Miranda discuss the state of strategic litigation today and the gaps in access to justice. Hit follow to stay updated!📩 Contact us: podcast@just-access.de🌍 Support us: just-access.de/donate

Show Notes: Just Access Podcast, Season 3 Launch (Part 2)In this special episode of the Just Access Podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher dives into inspiring conversations with Dr. Tom Sparks, Director of Just Access, and Cvetanka Kiroska, Head of Projects. This episode continues the Season 3 launch in celebration of International Human Rights Day and the podcast's second anniversary.Highlights of the Episode:1.    Cvetanka Kiroska’s JourneyGrowing up during Yugoslavia's turbulent collapse and finding refuge in literature, music, and languages.Her path from translating and interpreting to working on conflict resolution and multi-ethnic education projects in Macedonia.Eye-opening experiences in international human rights, including working with families of missing persons in the Balkans and NGOs assisting refugees.Joining Just Access and shaping the organization’s impactful projects.2.    Dr. Tom Sparks’ Path to LeadershipFrom participating in mock trials as a teen to studying law and specializing in international law.His advocacy journey with Amnesty International, learning human rights governance, and leading impactful initiatives.Transitioning from academia to Just Access to combine legal expertise with practical human rights work.3.    Behind the Scenes of the PodcastThe origin story of the Just Access Podcast and the creative process behind its production.Insights into the team’s vision: amplifying human rights stories and inspiring everyone to be a defender of justice.Challenges and rewards of launching a podcast from scratch.4.    Dream GuestsGuests they aspire to feature, including global leaders like UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türck, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, and activist Omar Alshogre.Highlighting the importance of showcasing both prominent figures and everyday heroes advocating for justice.5.    Just Access in ActionThe organization's three pillars: Strategic Litigation, Advocacy, and Education.Dr. Sparks shares how the podcast is central to educating and inspiring listeners worldwide.Ways to get involved: internships, volunteering, donations, and more. Get InvolvedInspired by this episode? Here’s how you can support Just Access:Share the podcast with friends and on social media.Explore the blog and other resources on Just Access's website.Volunteer or donate to support human rights and access to justice.🎙️ Tune in, Subscribe, and Support:Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app and let us know your thoughts at podcast@just-access.de. Together, let’s make a difference—because you too can be a human rights defender!