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Let’s get to work!

Landmark environmental ruling celebrated worldwide

September 7^th, 2022

For the first time in history, the United Nations General Assembly has recognized that a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a universal human right. UNDP and our global partners took some time to celebrate and reflect on this accomplishment before we roll up our sleeves and get to work translating this critical decision into tangible progress for environmental justice and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sara Omi

President of the Coordinator of Territorial Women Leaders of Mesoamerica and Embera Lead Advisor to the Embera Women Craftswomen’s Association, Panama

"What is different now is that we have a document from the United Nations where all states are responsible. For all Indigenous peoples, it is essential to continue encouraging our cosmovision and spirituality to defend our mother Earth. It is time to continue the dialogue and to effectively recognize the rights that have to do with territories and the good practices that Indigenous peoples contribute to the effects of climate change, and for the non-criminalization of environmental defenders who defend life. And for more access to funding for women, so they can continue to break down the inequality gaps in Indigenous territories and other populations."

Yero Sarr

Student and Co-founder of the Fridays For Future movement in Senegal. He works with environmental organizations on many issues, including the harmful effects of industrial fishing on West African communities.

"I welcome this resolution which I find fundamental for our well-being and that of the planet.

It will ensure the legitimacy of our fight and will allow us to take other, more precise resolutions against polluting companies. It is a milestone in terms of accountability for climate change. It will push our fight, which is the fight for climate justice.

Now, it will be necessary to ensure that the Member States apply it in the same way as all the other important resolutions of the United Nations. The next step for me will be to advocate for the end of funding allocated to fossil fuels, which are in major part the source of climate disruption. This will be my primary concern during the next COP27 in Egypt."

Silvia Morimoto

Resident Representative, UNDP Paraguay

"I'm feeling great joy, satisfaction and hope. What is essentially different is that we have the backing of a global consensus about a clean environment as a right. This can help break down cultural barriers or prejudices that see the problem of environmental destruction and contamination as something exclusively local or national.

We will make every effort so that all groups of people, especially the most vulnerable, receive information about this recognition and can strengthen the awareness that a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a fundamental right of all human beings.

We will emphasize communication, especially with Indigenous peoples, bringing this news closer in their languages. Indigenous peoples have always fought to present the planet as the common home for all, advocating respect for nature and its care."

Photo: Shutterstock/ Julian Peters Photography

Dr Kanongnij Sribuaiam

Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University and Co-Founder of the Thailand Clean Air Network

"The Thailand Clean Air Network was elated by the passage of the UNGA's resolution recognizing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. I have undertaken research work for the Thai Human Rights Commission since 2017, and this important resolution accords clarity to this inalienable right which will dispel all previous and protracted arguments.

The resolution creates the duty of the state to respect, protect and fulfil this right for all citizens. Ordinary citizens will now be comforted with the knowledge that they will be able to bring their government to account for negligence in failure to fulfill this duty."

Oğuz Ergen

Climate Activist, Founder of the Social Climate Association, Türkiye

“The definition of a clean environment as a human right by countries strengthens the struggle of citizens in the field of environmental protection. In lawsuits filed against companies regarding damage to the environment, not only will a decision be taken about polluting the environment, but also human rights will be taken into consideration. This will be the driving force for companies to be environmentally conscious.”

Linda Ogallo

Climate Change Adaptation Expert at IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, Nairobi

"The resolution brings much-needed hope back into the climate change conversation, particularly for the Horn of Africa facing a climate-induced crisis. This is especially evident after the conversation in the global north after the war in Ukraine seems to have shifted the conversation to the need for increased access to fossil fuels in pursuit of energy security. The resolution also strengthens Africa’s position on loss and damage. I am, however, also apprehensive as an African as to what this means for a continent that is energy poor, where the use of fossil fuels is the most affordable way to increase energy access. Could this be used to penalize African nations, some of which are just discovering fossil fuels and could use the revenue to help their countries adapt to climate extremes, or those with no access to or capacity for clean energy? From a legal perspective, I am waiting to hear the implications of this resolution at the General Assembly.”

Luciana Mermet

Resident Representative, UNDP Bolivia

“This is amazing news because it gives us a sense of direction forward, clean air, clean water, stable climate are not only the subject of smart public policy but also a right. There’s a lot we still need to do. Since it’s not yet legally binding we must rally all efforts so that the General Assembly resolution is a catalyst for national action, making it consistent with international environmental commitments. Let’s get to work!”

Fatou Jeng

Founder and Director of the youth-led non-profit Clean Earth Gambia

"What is different now is that the world leaders realize the damages caused by environmental stressors and the impact they have on people’s lives. That makes it easy for us to move forward in engaging the leaders to push for better funding for climate action, gender-just and gender sensitive climate policies, and for engaging youth in decision-making. As a climate activist and campaigner, I will continue educating communities, planting trees, engaging in our nature-based solutions and conservative efforts to implement climate-resilient projects for women, youth, and marginalized communities. I will also hold our policy-makers accountable and remind them to deliver on the climate promises. I will continue to use my voice nationally and globally to push for climate justice!"

Isna Fatimah

Deputy Director, Indonesian Center for Environmental Law

"It's surreal! I didn't think it would happen, coming from the UNGA panel. It's not strong enough yet. But at least now we can skip arguing about whether it is a human right. We appreciate the global north countries, who finally voice the people's concern and finally buy into this leap. We thank governments of the global south who have persistently put extra effort into persuading others that the right to a safe and healthy environment is indeed a human right.

It is more than just constitutional jargon. We have to translate it into solid national policy. It should also be inherent in political decisions. We recommend conducting a thorough policy evaluation to ensure that every policy properly promotes the right to a safe and healthy environment.