In a synthesis note published in January 2018 (the 2018 Synthesis Note), the Center for International Environmental Law and Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provided a summary of authoritative statements by the [Human Rights Treaty Bodies (HRTBs) ] on climate change... several HRTBs have stressed the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women, children, and... have also consistently underlined the importance of international cooperation and of taking into consideration commitments made under environmental instruments such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change... [The 2019 Note] builds on the information in the 2018 Synthesis Note and compiles and summarizes the statements on climate adopted by the HRTBs in 2018 — a year which saw an unprecedented level of engagement by the HRTBs on this issue.

The 2019 Note contains three sections:

1. a review of the role of the HRTBs in addressing human rights and climate change;
2. an appraisal of the authoritative guidance provided by these bodies in 2018; and
3. a summary of key statements relating to specific climate issues, such as emissions reduction, adaptation to climate impacts, procedural rights, and international cooperation.