Honduran Congress debates framework law against climate change

The National Congress of Honduras has begun debating the Framework Law Against the Effects of Climate Change. Introduced by National Party Deputy Jonathan Laínez, the bill aims to implement political, legislative, economic, and scientific measures to mitigate the impacts of global warming and adapt to its consequences within the country.

Honduras is noted in the proposal as being among the most vulnerable nations globally according to the Climate Risk Index. The legislation seeks to protect human health, lives, and ecosystems through a framework centered on human rights and climate justice. It also intends to strengthen national capacities to reduce population vulnerability.

The bill aims to ensure Honduras meets its international environmental commitments, including the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The law would assign specific obligations and powers to various state institutions to execute national climate strategies. The initial reading was suspended during the discussion of article 20 and will continue in future sessions.