9.11 The Committee takes note of the observation of the Immigration and Protection
Tribunal that climate change-induced harm can occur through sudden-onset events and slowonset processes. Reports indicate that sudden-onset events are discrete occurrences that have
an immediate and obvious impact over a period of hours or days, while slow-onset effects
may have a gradual, adverse impact on livelihoods and resources over a period of months to
years. Both sudden-onset events (such as intense storms and flooding) and slow-onset
processes (such as sea level rise, salinization, and land degradation) can propel cross-border
movement of individuals seeking protection from climate change-related harm. 27 The
Committee is of the view that without robust national and international efforts, the effects of
climate change in receiving states may expose individuals to a violation of their rights under
articles 6 or 7 of the Covenant, thereby triggering the non-refoulement obligations of sending
states. Furthermore, given that the risk of an entire country becoming submerged under water
is such an extreme risk, the conditions of life in such a country may become incompatible
with the right to life with dignity before the risk is realized.
