Barbara Bolton

The resolution was approved by the United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday during its 48th session in Geneva.

It follows calls by hundreds of international civil society organisations, social movements, local communities and indigenous peoples, given the need for a global approach to the environmental crisis.

While the right to a healthy environment had already been recognised by a majority of states around the world in their constitutions, legislation and various regional treaties, this resolution now gives the right much needed international recognition.

The move is of particular importance in Scotland as the Scottish government prepares to introduce new human rights legislation for Scotland, which will enshrine the right to a healthy environment – alongside many others – into Scotland’s domestic law.

International recognition of this right will further strengthen the ways in which legislation in Scotland can develop in line with internationally agreed standards, the SHRC said.

Barbara Bolton, head of legal and policy for the SHRC, said: “The United Nations’ recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment marks an important and much needed milestone.

“A healthy environment is essential to realising the right to life and all of our other human rights. International recognition of this right sends a strong message to governments around the globe about the need for urgent action in addressing the triple crises of climate change, pollution and nature loss.

“Closer to home, we have welcomed the Scottish government’s commitment to incorporating the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment in a new Human Rights Bill for Scotland, and will continue to work with them to make this right real and meaningful.”