The United Nations, in a precedent-setting move, has announced access to a clean and healthy environment as a universal human right. This declaration comes in response to pressing global issues such as climate change and pollution. Although the resolutions passed are not legally binding, they play a significant role in instigating action towards environmental conservation. India, along with over 160 other UN member nations, supported this resolution, reflecting its commitment towards environmental sustainability.
The Provision for Clean Environment in Indian Constitution
In line with this, the Indian Constitution, under Article 21, asserts ‘the right to life’ in an expansive sense, including the right to livelihood, the quality of life, and the right to live with dignity. The article also emphasises the right to survive as a species, drawing relevance to the contemporary discourse on environmental conservation. It states, ‘No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedures established by law.’
Significance of the Resolution
The resolution establishes that every individual is entitled to live in a clean and healthy environment, thus acknowledging climate change and environmental degradation as imminent threats. While it’s not a legally binding document, it underlines the importance of integrating the right to a healthy environment into national constitutions and regional treaties. The abstention of nations like Russia and Iran from voting illustrates the broad spectrum of perspectives within the global community.
Benefits of the Resolution
This landmark resolution can help minimize environmental injustices and protection gaps. It empowers vulnerable groups including indigenous people, women, children, youth and environmental human rights defenders. The recognition of access to a clean environment as a human right, absent in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), signifies an evolution of international human rights law.
Understanding Human Rights
Human rights are universal, inherent to all individuals regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status. They encompass a wide range of aspects including the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to work and education. International human rights law lays down certain obligations for governments to uphold these rights.
Climate Change, Biodiversity & Pollution Explained
Climate change refers to long-term changes in weather patterns and temperatures, largely driven by human activities since the 1800s. This is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels resulting in the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
Biodiversity, on the other hand, refers to the variety of life found on Earth, from animals and plants to fungi and microorganisms. Each species plays a vital role in maintaining balance and supporting life in their ecosystems.
Lastly, pollution involves introducing harmful materials, or pollutants, into the environment. These pollutants can damage the quality of air, water, and land. They can be natural like volcanic ash or created by human activity, such as trash or factory runoff.
Reflections on Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In the context of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), questions have appeared in previous years of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, requiring an understanding of how various parts of the Indian Constitution reflect the principles and provisions of this declaration.
For instance, the Preamble, the Directive Principles of State Policy, and the Fundamental Duties, together echo the essence of the principles established by the UDHR. This overlap, along with the recent UN resolution on environmental rights, highlights the need for aspirants to equip themselves with comprehensive knowledge of both international agreements and national policy frameworks.
