The protection of the environment as a human right

Abstract

Progress for human beings has always been measured in terms of development that translated into economic growth. This development was mostly undertaken without any consideration for the environment and as a consequence, the environment has been seriously degraded: pollutants were pumped into the atmosphere and the seas; whole forests were razed to the ground; and entire species were driven to extinction. Soon, this degradation encroached onto human existence as individuals began to suffer from the effects of such a polluted environment. Pollution thus became a threat to human life and as such, environmental protection came to be regarded as a manner by which to protect human interests, and thus, as a possible human right. This thesis considers in detail the concept of a human rights approach to environmental protection and the possibility of the existence of such a right in international law. Chapter 1 introduces the concept of a human right to environmental protection putting forward the implications and limitations of such a right. It also examines the theoretical content of this right in both its substantive and procedural aspects.