Title: TASK: "A resolution for the whole planet"
Course: GG 22/23 Leuphana-Copy > Section: 2.6 Environmental // Justice

On October 8, 2021, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution recognizing access to a healthy and sustainable environment as a universal right. This historic step was followed by a resolution passed on July 28, 2022, in which the UN General Assembly declared access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, a universal human right.

This resolution was 50 years in the making, ever since in 1972, the United Nations Conference on the Environment in Stockholm for the first time placed environmental issues at the forefront of international concerns. It marked the start of a dialogue between industrialized and developing countries stressing "the link between economic growth, the pollution of the air, water and the ocean, and the well-being of people around the world." (Source: The right to a healthy environment: six things you need to know). Civil society groups, among them many young activists, played a major role in achieving this milestone.

While the resolution is not legally binding on the 193 UN Member States, it sends a strong signal prompting countries to include the right to a healthy environment in national constitutions and regional treaties, and encouraging states to implement those laws.

BREAKING

The UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that declares access to a clean and healthy environment a universal #HumanRight

In favour: 161

Abstentions: 8

Against: 0

The decision is expected to be a catalyst for #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/r7xva47g6m

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) July 28, 2022

1. Answer the following questions:
- What states chose not to vote in favor of the resolution? Search on the internet for the reasons behind their abstention.

Need Help? Have a look at this article.

2. Watch the following video posted by the US Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment (UNSR), take notes, and answer the following questions:

© Source: United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment
- What does the right to a healthy environment include? List the six areas included in the resolution.
- The resolution includes three tools needed to exercise the right to a healthy environment. List what is included in the "toolkit" and explain their meaning and importance.
- In your opinion, how do these areas and tools apply to your country?

Hint: You can turn on the subtitles by clicking on the appropriate button at the bottom right corner of the video