As the world commemorates Human Rights Day, ESR Science Leader on Climate Health Impacts Dr Angela Baschieri comments on the critical role of science in safeguarding our rights, from ensuring access to clean water to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Today marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, which calls for fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals, regardless of nationality, race, religion or other status.
This year’s theme for Human Rights Day, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” emphasises the urgency of addressing global challenges to secure a just and sustainable future for all.
The theme is timely, coming against the backdrop of three interconnected Conferences of the Parties (known as COPs) in 2024—focusing on climate change (COP29), biodiversity (CBD COP16), and land and desertification (UNCCD COP16). Together, these COPs underscore the importance of coordinated global action to safeguard the future of humanity and the Earth and the critical link between environmental health and human rights, emphasising that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is foundational to the well-being of people and the planet.
The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment was adopted as a universal human right by the UN General Assembly in 2022. It underscores the vital importance of air, free from pollutants that harm respiratory and cardiovascular health. Of safe, sufficient water for drinking and sanitation and the protection of healthy ecosystems, including biodiversity, forests, wetlands, and oceans—all essential for sustaining life. Together, these elements highlight the imperative of environmental protection as a cornerstone of human dignity and survival.
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) plays a vital role in protecting public health and the environment in New Zealand. ESR safeguards groundwater and freshwater quality, supporting the right to safe and sufficient water.
Its public health surveillance team provides critical insights to prevent illnesses, address infectious diseases, and enhance pandemic preparedness.
ESR’s work on climate change and health informs approaches to mitigating climate-related risks, ensuring environmental changes do not harm human well-being. ESR also ensures food safety and biosecurity, protecting against foodborne illnesses, and offers expertise in radiation science, contributing to a non-toxic environment.
Through these initiatives, ESR actively supports the realisation of environmental rights by providing scientific evidence and expertise that inform decisions and public health interventions. This work ensures that environmental determinants of health are effectively managed, promoting a clean and healthy environment for all New Zealanders.
Climate change, health and wellbeing
From rising temperatures to increased flooding, ESR is working to understand and respond to the consequences of climate change, to safeguard Aotearoa now and for future generations.