A vote in late July saw the United Nations General Assembly agree to declare the ability to live in "a clean, healthy and sustainable environment" a human right for all.

The declaration isn't legally binding but, as the previous examples show, can help shape policy and law around the world.

Climate change is already affecting much of the world's population, with startlingly high temperatures from the Arctic to Australia. Air pollution from wildfires, vehicles and industries threatens human health. Bees and pollinators are dying in unprecedented numbers that may force changes in crop production and food availability.

What do these have in common? They represent the new frontier in human rights.

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on July 28, 2022, to declare the ability to live in "a clean, healthy and sustainable environment" a universal human right. It also called on countries, companies and international organizations to scale up efforts to turn that into reality.