Major Resolution Passed by the UN General Assembly Endorsing the Right to a Safe, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment

Based on a similar wording approved by the Human Rights Council last year, the resolution urges governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private companies to step up efforts to promote a healthy environment for all people.

Exposure to a Clean and Healthy Environment As a Universal Human Right

(Photo : PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, praised the "historic" decision and said the critical move shows how the Member States can work together to combat the triple global challenges of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, as per UN News.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson's Office, he claimed that the resolution would help reduce environmental injustices, close protection gaps, and empower people, especially those that are in vulnerable situations, including environmental human rights defenders, children, youth, women, and indigenous peoples.

The decision, he continued, will also enable states to fulfill their environmental and human rights commitments and obligations more quickly.

He declared that the world community has gotten humanity closer to making this right a reality for all by giving it global recognition.

The ratification of the resolution, Guterres said is simply the beginning, and he urged states to work to make this newly acknowledged right a reality for everyone, everywhere.

Although the day is momentous, simply reaffirming our entitlement to a healthy environment is insufficient.

The General Assembly's resolution is unequivocal: States must carry out their obligations under international agreements and step up their efforts to do so.

If people do not cooperate to collectively avert environmental disasters now, they will all experience much harsher repercussions, she said.

According to Ms. Bachelet, economic policies and business models need strong boundaries to operate within when taking environmental action based on commitments to uphold human rights.

It places more emphasis on the foundation of legal responsibilities to act than just on discretionary policy.

Additionally, it is more reliable, legitimate, and sustainable, she continued.

The text noted that the right to a healthy environment is related to current international law and affirms that its promotion necessitates the full implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.

The vote of the Assembly will alter the entire nature of international human rights legislation, according to Mr. David Boyd, Special Rapporteur for the UN on Human Rights and the Environment.

Governments have made promises to clean up the environment and handle the climate emergency for decades.

Having a right to a healthy environment shifts people's perspectives from "begging" to pressing governments to act, he recently told UN News.

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Simple Actions People Can Do to Have a Clean and Safe Environment

Humanity must all work together to stop further harm to the world and maintain a clean environment to address environmental problems including pollution, water contamination, and climate change, as per Green Child Magazine.

Many people believed they can't have much of an impact, yet when enough of them take action, the good things start to stack up.

One's voice must be heard by the state and local representatives.

Never doubt; they are receiving messages from powerful businesses and special interest groups.

There are several actions people can take in their daily lives, but let's face it, one's home isn't going to destroy the environment or use resources in the same way as a big factory or company.

Rejecting single-use products, especially plastic is another simple way to help the environment

In the economy, single-use items like straws, takeout cups, disposable razors, and plastic shopping bags are widespread.

Finding a reusable substitute for the things people use only once and throw away can make a significant difference.

Use fewer chemicals and dispose of garbage correctly.

Choose reusable, washable flatware instead of disposable things like plastic plates, forks, and cups.

For coffee drinkers who are constantly on the go, bring a reusable travel cup. By performing this small, easy action, people may dispose of less garbage while keeping their coffee hot.

Buy regionally and consume more greens.

When shopping, prioritize buying locally grown products over imports. Local purchases require less processing, packing, and transportation.

Furthermore, fresh food that is locally produced has a much richer flavor.

Eating more veggies and less meat from factory farms can help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

If one's family consumes meat, consider reducing the serving sizes and placing more emphasis on the veggies on the plate.

Additionally, make sure to buy fresh meat from a reliable, hormone- and antibiotic-free grass-fed supplier.

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