Air pollution is a global public health and human rights crisis requiring urgent action from governments and businesses, according to a new report presented to the UN Human Rights Council by Special Rapporteur Astrid Puentes Riaño.
The report highlights that air pollution contributes to an estimated 6–8 million premature deaths each year, affecting nearly every organ of the human body and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and chronic respiratory illnesses. Vulnerable groups—including children, pregnant people, older persons and those with already existing health conditions—face the greatest risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and marginalised communities.
Puentes Riaño stresses that under international human rights law, states have a duty to prevent harm by strengthening air quality standards, improving monitoring and enforcement, and prioritising action in pollution hot spots. The report also calls on businesses to reduce emissions, protect workers and disclose pollution from their operations.
This growing recognition reflects a broader shift in international environmental governance, as institutions and advocates push for stronger accountability mechanisms linking environmental protection with human rights obligations. In 2022, the United Nations recognised the right to a clean, healthy environment as a human right, reinforcing calls for stronger action to ensure everyone can breathe clean air.
Source: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Press release 6 Match 2026: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/03/air-pollution-driving-widespread-human-rights-violations-un-expert
