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Thematic reports

A/HRC/55/43: Business, planetary boundaries, and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment - Report of the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, David R. Boyd

Published

02 January 2024

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A/HRC/55/43

Focus

Environment

Scientific evidence that humanity is exceeding planetary boundaries calls for an urgent rethinking of the business and economic paradigms that have pushed civilization to the brink of disaster. The Special Rapporteur evaluates the inadequacies of voluntary normative frameworks for ensuring that businesses respect human rights and clarifies State obligations to protect the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment from harms caused by businesses. Systemic and transformative changes are needed to achieve a just and sustainable future, including new business models, climate and environmental laws that incorporate planetary limits, fiscal policies that internalize externalities and reduce inequality, and holistic societal goals that replace gross domestic product (GDP) and limitless growth. Extensive recommendations are provided for States.

Issued By:

Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

Delivered To:

Human Rights Council, Fifty-fifth session