Normative justifications for sustainability: Human rights perspective
The destruction of the natural basis of life also goes hand in hand with the violation of numerous human rights, e.g. through negative health side effects (such as respiratory and mental illnesses in the wake of the climate crisis), a foreseeable shortage of food (e.g. due to increasing crop failures) or security (systemic collapses, extreme weather events). A direct demand for sustainability can therefore be articulated for the preservation of human rights.
For further information see for example:
Bos, G. / Düwell, M. (2016): Human rights and sustainability. Moral responsibility for the future. Abingdon/ New York: Routledge.
United Nations Development Group (UNDG) (2017): Human rights and the environment. Excerpt from the ENDG Guidance Note on Human rights for resident coordinators and UN country teams. Online Version
For information on the human rights perspective specifically related to climate ethics, see:
Caney, S. (2010): Climate Change, Human Rights and Moral Thresholds. In: Stephen Humphreys (ed.): Human Rights and Climate Change. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 69–90.
Bell, D. (2011): Does anthropogenic climate change violate human rights? In: Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy 14 (2): 99–124.