On July 28, 2022, member states of the United Nations General Assembly, the highest UN body, overwhelmingly voted to adopt a historic resolution recognizing that a “safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment” is a human right. Prepared by five member states, including Costa Rica, the Maldives, Morocco, Slovenia, and Switzerland, 161 nations voted in favor, with only eight countries abstaining.
The resolution comes at a critical moment as the threats of the climate crisis and global biodiversity loss accelerate. While the motion is not legally binding, it will urgently push countries, leaders, and policymakers to make changes that will positively impact the environment and human well-being.
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