Puentes Riaño said countries are increasingly paying attention to the human rights impact of air pollution.
Air Pollution Is a Human Rights Crisis, UN Expert Calls for Stronger Global Standards: Report
Air pollution is increasingly being recognised as a major threat not only to public health but also to fundamental human rights, with experts warning that stronger environmental protections are urgently needed worldwide.
During the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, civil society representatives highlighted the scale of the problem, noting that nearly the entire global population is exposed to air that does not meet safety guidelines set by the World Health Organization.
A recent report presented to the council by Astrid Puentes Riaño called for stronger air quality standards and stricter regulation of industrial and energy emissions to protect the human right to a clean and healthy environment.
The report, submitted on March 6, emphasised that governments must align national air quality standards with the best available scientific evidence in order to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants and protect millions of people facing health risks from polluted air.
Puentes Riaño said countries are increasingly paying attention to the human rights impact of air pollution. She noted that India has taken steps to address the issue through initiatives such as the National Air Quality Index and the National Clean Air Programme aimed at monitoring and reducing pollution levels.
The report also warned that activities like fireworks in already polluted regions can further worsen air quality and increase health risks, citing examples from cities including Delhi and Mexico City.
(With Inputs from PTI)
