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In July 2022, in a long-awaited decision, the United Nations General Assembly — the highest decision-making body at the UN —  adopted the resolution to universally recognize the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. 

The decision comes at a time of planetary crises — the climate emergency and toxic threats are pushing against planetary boundaries, with widespread impacts on the full scope of human rights. 

This recognition means more accountability from governments to ensure we live in a world with a safe and stable climate, a toxic-free environment, clean air, access to safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainably produced food, and thriving biodiversity and ecosystems.

This incredible achievement was made possible by your endless support. Thank you for your tireless efforts — from gathering over 1,350 endorsements from 75 countries for our Global Call, to sharing over 30,300 online messages calling for a #HealthyEnvironmentForAll. 

Now that the UN has finally taken this outdue step, we must all — whether working for governments, businesses, or civil society — make it a priority to prevent any further violation of this right for present and future generations.

UPDATE: On December 15, 2023, the Global Coalition of Civil Society, Indigenous Peoples, Social Movements, and Local Communities for the Universal Recognition of the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment accepted the prestigious 2023 United Nations Human Rights Prize. The coalition is awarded for its essential role in advocating for the recognition of the right to a healthy environment by the UN General Assembly in 2022. Learn more and read reactions from members of the coalition here.