Although the decision had eight abstentions, no state opposed the declaration. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the adoption as "historic" and said it was a sign of how the international community can unite to fight the planet's triple environmental crisis.
▶ The impact of climate change, the unsustainable management and use of natural resources, the pollution of air, land and water, the inadequate management of chemicals and waste, and the resulting loss of biodiversity are all interfering with the environment.
And the consequent loss of biodiversity interfere with the enjoyment of this right, and that environmental damage has negative implications, both direct and indirect, for the effective enjoyment of all human rights.
The resolution, based on similar language adopted last year by the Human Rights Council, calls on States, international organizations and businesses to intensify their efforts to ensure a healthy environment for all.
The resolution will help reduce environmental injustices, close protection gaps and empower people, especially those in vulnerable situations, such as environmental human rights defenders, children, youth, women and indigenous peoples.
In a separate statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet welcomed the Assembly's decision and echoed the Secretary-General's call for urgent action to implement it.
