From Geneva, Switzerland, Reuters reports that the U.N. Human Rights Council has recognised access to a clean and healthy environment as a fundamental right, formally adding its weight to the global fight against climate change and its devastating consequences.
The vote passed with overwhelming support, was despite criticism in the lead-up from some countries, notably the United States and Britain. The resolution, first discussed in the 1990s, is not legally binding but has the potential to shape global standards. Lawyers involved in climate litigation say it could help them build arguments in cases involving the environment and human rights.
Costa Rica’s ambassador, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, said the decision will “send a powerful message to communities around the world struggling with climate hardship that they are not alone”.
The World Health Organisation estimates that some 13.7 million deaths a year, or around 24.3% of the global total, are due to environmental risks such as air pollution and chemical exposure.
Garrick Tremain’s cartoon sums it up nicely – but sadly.
“Nero fiddles, while Rome burns.”
Two years ago in 2019, report on the state of New Zealand’s environment revealed a bleak picture of catastrophic biodiversity loss, polluted waterways and the destructive rise of the dairy industry and urban sprawl.
Environment Aotearoa was the first major environmental report in four years, and was compiled using data from Statistics New Zealand and the environment ministry.
NZ government promotes itself as a pristine landscape (“Pure New Zealand”) in a marketing campaign that lures tourists every year and sells produce overseas..
The report found “New Zealand is now considered one of the most invaded countries in the world, with 75 animal and plant species having gone extinct since human settlement.” Shame on the previous National government and the current government.
Words, promises and no meaningful action.
Who is pulling the Government strings surely anyone with half a brain could do better than what we’ve got or had in the past, they must be the puppets of someone?