Helsinki International Model United Nations 2015 | XV Annual Session
Forum: Human Rights Commission
Issue: Question of the Right to a Clean and Safe Environment
Student Officer: Ms Anna El-khoury
Position: Assistant President of Human Rights Council
Introduction
A clean and safe environment is vital to enjoy a wide range of human rights. 1 These rights include the
right to life, health, food, development, property, shelter, work, and equity. Everyone also has the right
to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family.2
The right to life is closely linked to the environment. Right now, climate change is responsible for
300,000 deaths a year and it is affecting 300 million people.3 The right to health is often violated in air,
land and/or water pollution4. The right to food, having the physical and economic access to food, is
constantly under pressure. For example, water tables are now falling and wells are going dry in
countries that contain half the world's people, including the big three grain producers - China, India,
and the United States. In China, water shortages have led to a lower wheat harvest from its peak of
123 million tons in 1997 to below 100 million tons in recent years5.
The right to development is disregarded when environmentally destructive economic progress does
not produce long-term societal progress. Social progress is the total improvement in quality of life for
the population.6 The right to property can also be violated due to environmental disasters. 7 While sea
levels rise, people living on islands and in coastal areas lose some or all of their property.8 When
environmental disasters occur, individuals or even communities are often displaced and forced to find
new places to live.9 This forces them to temporarily live in unhealthy conditions violating the human
rights to shelter and housing.10 Environmental disruptions also remove the right to work and for
example, 40,000 jobs were lost with the collapse of just one overfished cod population.11 The places
where they have contributed the least to problems also lack the rights to equity and nondiscrimination. The impact of climate change and other environmental harms generally have greater
effect on poor countries, where living standards are lower.12
1
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Environment/IEEnvironment/Pages/IEenvironmentIndex.aspx
http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
3
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/may/29/1
4
http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/ClimateChange/Submissions/International_Commission_of_Jurists_Dutch_Sect
ion_NJCM_ClimateChange_HR.pdf
5
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/HG21Df01.html
6
http://understandingsociety.blogspot.fi/2010/06/social-progress.html
7
http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/IDPersons/OperationalGuidelines_IDP.pdf
8
http://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/waters-edge-the-crisis-of-rising-sea-levels/
9
http://www.unhcr.org/540854f49.pdf
10
http://www.eird.org/isdr-biblio/PDF/Natural%20disasters%20and%20the%20impacts.pdf
11
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/oceans/fit-for-the-future/overfishing/
12
http://www.economist.com/node/14447171
2
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Helsinki International Model United Nations 2015 | XV Annual Session
Women and children are impacted more by environmental disruptions than men.13 Children are
especially vulnerable to toxic, bacterial, and viral contamination, because their immune systems are
not yet fully developed.14 These examples provide a sampling of the connections between human
rights and environmental protection: 15
Without a healthy environment we cannot fulfil our aspirations or live at a level of minimum standards
of human dignity established by law16. Also, protecting human rights helps to protect the environment.
When people are able to learn about, and participate in, the decisions that affect them, they can help
to ensure that those decisions respect their need for a sustainable environment. 17 In the last decade,
the number of people affected by humanitarian crises has almost doubled and many people are living
in countries which are largely exposed to the full range of natural and technological hazards.18
In many regions of the world, stress on the ecosystem can be attributed to human-intensive activities.
Such activities include unsustainable resource extraction and exploitation by large corporations and
international trading agreements that open these sources up to excessive extraction and
consumerism.19 This can lead to numerous global security issues in the future.20 Two decades ago, 50
percent of disasters were climate related and 1.7 billion people were affected, but now, the number
has risen to 70 percent and the number has risen to 2.4 billion.21 As an effect, the cost of responding
to disasters has risen tenfold between 1992 and 2008.22
Definitions of Key Terms
Environment-
An environment is the sum total of water, air and land interrelationships among
themselves and with the human being, other living organisms and property.23 It includes
all the physical and biological surrounding and their interactions.24
Environmental disaster- Man-made damages to the natural environment that result in disease and
death of living beings; including, plants, animals and human beings.25 Environmental
disasters can result from technical accidents, human, technological or mechanical
failure or carelessness and they can be the consequence of long-term environmental
pollution such as the greenhouse effect or the destruction of the ozone layer.26
13
http://www.righttoenvironment.org/default.asp?pid=36
http://www.azdeq.gov/ceh/risks.html
15
http://www.righttoenvironment.org/default.asp?pid=36
16
https://www.environment.gov.za/speech/thomson_firstlightbulbrecycling
17
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Environment/IEEnvironment/Pages/IEenvironmentIndex.aspx
18
http://www.unocha.org/top-stories/all-stories/2015-environmental-emergencies-forum
19
http://www.globalissues.org/article/214/stress-on-the-environment-society-and-resources
20
http://www.globalissues.org/article/214/stress-on-the-environment-society-and-resources
21
https://profile.theguardian.com/user/id/11376575
22
http://www.unocha.org/what-we-do/advocacy/thematic-campaigns/climate-change/threats-solutions
23
http://www.newagepublishers.com/samplechapter/001773.pdf
24
http://www.newagepublishers.com/samplechapter/001773.pdf
25
http://www.design4disaster.org/disasters-2/man-made-disasters/environmental-disasters/
26
http://www.design4disaster.org/disasters-2/man-made-disasters/environmental-disasters/
14
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Climate-
A climate is the description of the long-term pattern of weather in a particular area.27
Climate change- Refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended
period of time.28 In other words, climate change includes major changes in temperature, precipitation,
or wind patterns, among other effects that occur over several decades or longer.29
PollutionIs the contamination of the environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent
that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.30
Deforestation- The process whereby natural forests are cleared through logging and/or burning,
either to use the timber or to replace the area for alternative uses.31
Background
With the results of pollution and destructive action, many international treaties and local laws and
regulations on environmental protection have been introduced in the second half of the 20th century.32
More and more people are starting to realize that a clean and healthy environment is essential to our
fundamental human rights. 33
Pollution occurs in several different forms; air, water, soil, radioactivity, noise, heat/ thermal and light.34
Air pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere that disturbs the natural composition and
chemistry of the air.35 Air contaminants are particles, liquids, and gases in the air which have harmful
chemical properties that affect our health.36 These contaminations include emissions from
smokestacks and landfills, explosions and fires, automobile exhaust, factory equipment leaks, and
commercial products, such as paints or household cleaners.37
Air pollution causes the increase of smog, higher rain acidity, crop depletion from inadequate oxygen,
and higher rates of asthma. Smog is a yellowish or blackish fog formed mainly by a mixture of
pollutants in the atmosphere which consists of fine particles and ground level ozone. 38 It is a mixture of
various gases with dust and water vapour. Smog also refers to hazy air that makes breathing
difficult.39 It is harmful to humans, animals, plants and the nature as a whole.40 Heavy smog is
responsible for decreasing the UV radiation greatly. 41 Heavy smog results in a low production of the
crucial natural element of vitamin D leading to cases of rickets among people.42 Smog can cause or
aggravate health problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, deadly pulmonary
27
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/noaa-n/climate/climate_weather.html#.VIjE-jGsXdk
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/basics/
29
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/basics/
30
http://www.who.int/topics/air_pollution/en/
31
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/about_forests/deforestation/
32
http://www.righttoenvironment.org/default.asp?pid=53
33
http://www.righttoenvironment.org/default.asp?pid=53
34
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/PollutionTypes.php
35
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
36
http://www.ehib.org/page.jsp?page_key=149
37
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/students/wastsite/airpolut.htm
38
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/SmogPollution.php
39
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/SmogPollution.php#sthash.IEL8B2NO.dpuf
40
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/SmogPollution.php
41
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/SmogPollution.php
42
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/SmogPollution.php#sthash.IEL8B2NO.dpuf
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diseases such as lung cancer and other respiratory problems as well as eye irritation and reduced
resistance to colds and lung infections.43
The primary source of acid rain is sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).44 These gases
interact in the atmosphere and can be transported long distances by winds and when inhaled increase
illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis.45
Water pollution involves any contaminated water, whether from chemical, particulate, or bacterial
matter that degrades the water’s quality and purity.46 Water pollution is the contamination of water,
occurring in oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground reservoirs, and as different water sources flow
together the pollution can spread.47 The effects of water pollution include decreasing the quantity of
drinkable water, lowering water supplies for crop irrigation, and impacting fish and wildlife populations
that require water of a certain purity for survival.48 Causes of water pollution include industrial waste,
sewage and waste water, mining activities, marine dumping and accidental oil leakage.49
Industries produce huge amounts of waste which contains toxic chemicals and pollutants, that can
cause air pollution and damage to humans and our environment.50 The sewage and waste water that
is produced by each household is chemically treated and released into the sea with fresh water.51 The
sewage water carries harmful bacteria and chemicals that can cause serious health problems.52
Elements and minerals when extracted during mining in the raw form contain harmful chemicals and
can increase the amount of toxic elements when mixed up with water which may result in health
problems.53 The garbage produced by each household in the form of paper, aluminium, rubber, glass,
plastic, food if collected and deposited into the sea in some countries.54 These items take from 2
weeks to 200 years to decompose.55 When such items enter the sea, they not only cause water
pollution but also harm living organisms in the sea.56 Oil spills pose a huge concern as a large amount
of oil enters the sea and does not dissolve with water; thereby opening problems for local marine
wildlife such as fish, birds and sea otters. 57 For example in 2010 a huge oil spill was caused by British
Petroleum (BP) and over 1,000 animals, like birds, turtles, mammals were reported dead, many of
them on the endangered species list.58
Contamination of soil prevents natural growth and balance in the soil. 59 Soil contamination can lead
to poor growth and reduced crop yields, loss of wildlife habitat, water and visual pollution, soil erosion,
43
http://environment.about.com/od/smogfaq/f/smog_faq_three.htm
https://sites.google.com/site/acidrain1project/
45
http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects/health.html
46
http://www.oxstyle.com/2012/02/type-of-pollution.html
47
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
48
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
49
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
50
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
51
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
52
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
53
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
54
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
55
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
56
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
57
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
58
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-water-pollution-facts.php#sthash.PDLlbd4x.dpuf
59
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
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and desertification.60 Main causes of soil pollution include industrial activity, agricultural activities and
waste disposal.61
Industrial activity has been the biggest contributor to soil pollution in the last century, especially since
the amount of mining and manufacturing has increased.62 Most industries are dependent on extracting
minerals from the Earth.63 The industrial waste lingers in the soil surface for a long time and makes it
unsuitable for use.64 Chemical utilization has gone up tremendously since technology provided us with
modern pesticides and fertilizers that are full of chemicals that are not produced in nature and cannot
be broken down by it.65 As a result, these chemicals seep into the ground after they mix with water
and slowly reduce the fertility of the soil.66 A growing cause for concern is how we dispose of our
waste.67 While industrial waste is sure to cause contamination, there is another way in which we are
adding to the pollution.68 Every human produces a certain amount of personal waste products by way
of urine and feces.69 While much of it moves into the sewer the system, there is also a large amount
that is dumped directly into landfills in the form of diapers.70 Even sewer systems end up in a landfill,
where the biological waste pollutes the soil and water.71 This is because our bodies are full of toxins
and chemicals which are now seeping into the land and causing pollution of soil.72
Soil pollution effects human health, plant growth, soil fertility, toxic dust and changes in soil structure.73
Considering how soil is the reason we are able to sustain ourselves, the contamination of it has major
consequences to our health.74 Crops and plants grown on polluted soil absorb much of the pollution
and then pass it on to us.75 Long term exposure to such soil can affect the genetic make-up of the
body, causing congenital illnesses and chronic health problems that cannot be cured easily.76 In fact, it
can sicken the livestock to a considerable extent and cause food poisoning over a long period of
time.77 The ecological balance of any system gets affected due to the widespread contamination of the
soil.78 Most plants are unable to adapt when the chemistry of the soil changes radically in a short
period of time. The soil pollution causes large tracts of land to become hazardous to health.79
The toxic chemicals present in the soil can decrease soil fertility and therefore decrease in the soil
yield.80 The contaminated soil is then used to produce fruits and vegetables which lacks quality
60
http://isatalaatharb.weebly.com/types-of-pollution.html
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
62
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
63
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
64
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
65
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
66
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
67
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
68
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
69
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
70
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
71
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
72
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php#sthash.P8krpc7M.dpuf
73
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
74
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
75
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
76
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
77
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
78
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
79
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
80
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
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nutrients and may contain some poisonous substances causing serious health problems when people
consume them.81 The emission of toxic and foul gases from landfills pollutes the environment and
causes serious effects on the health of some people.82 The death of many soil organisms in the soil
can lead to alteration in soil structure. Apart from that, it could also force other predators to move to
other places in search of food.83
A number of ways have been suggested to curb the current rate of pollution.84 Such attempts at
cleaning up the environment require plenty of time and resources to be pitched in.85 Industries have
been given regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste, which aims at minimizing the area that
becomes polluted.86 Organic methods of farming are being supported, which do not use chemical
laden pesticides and fertilizers.87 Use of plants that can remove the pollutants from the soil is being
encouraged.88
Noise pollution refers to undesirable levels of noises caused by human activity that disrupt the
standard of living in the affected area.89 Effects may include hearing loss, wildlife disturbances, and a
general degradation of lifestyle.90 In modern society, transportation systems are one of the most
common sources of noise pollution, because they can be particularly loud and unrelenting in certain
areas.91 Most common health effects associated with noise pollution include headaches and
migraines, stress, hearing loss, loss of sleep, hypertension, stroke and slower mental and/or physical
development in children.92
As of now, there do not exist many solutions to reduce sound pollution.93 On a personal level,
everybody can help reducing the noise in their homes by lowering the volume of the radio, music
system and the television.94 It is only when our understanding noise pollution is complete, can we take
steps to eradicate it completely.95
Radioactive pollution is rare but extremely detrimental, and even deadly, when it occurs.96 Radioactive
pollution is the release of radioactive material.97 Because of its intensity and the difficulty of reversing
damage.98 Radiation exposure and contamination may cause short- or long-term health effects on
humans. Short-term health effects include Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and Cutaneous Radiation
Injury (CRI), while long-term health effects include Cancer, Prenatal Radiation Exposure and Mental
81
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
83
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
84
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
85
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
86
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
87
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
88
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
89
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
90
http://www.oxstyle.com/2012/02/type-of-pollution.html
91
http://www.symptomfind.com/health/causes-of-noise-pollution-and-its-effects-on-health/
92
http://www.symptomfind.com/health/causes-of-noise-pollution-and-its-effects-on-health/
93
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-noise-pollution.php
94
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-noise-pollution.php
95
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-noise-pollution.php
96
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
97
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
98
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
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Health.99 The causes of radioactive pollution are production of nuclear weapons, decommissioning of
nuclear weapons, mining of radioactive ore, coal ash, medical waste and nuclear power plants.100
Radioactive materials used in the production of nuclear weapons have high health risks and release a
small amount of pollution.101 Thanks to good current health-standards this release is not significant
and is not a danger to us unless an accident occurs.102 The decommissioning of nuclear weapons
causes slightly more radioactive pollution than in the production, however, the waste is still of low risk
and not dangerous unless ingested.103 Mining radioactive ore involves crushing and processing them
and this generates radioactive waste which emits alpha particles.104 Also, this waste is of low risk
unless ingested.105 Coal ash can be very dangerous, some coal contains more radioactive material
than usual and is often referred to as 'dirty' coal.106 This level of radioactivity is less than in phosphate
rocks, however, due to small amounts being released into the atmosphere and its ability to be inhaled,
this ash is significantly more dangerous.107 Nuclear power plants under current standards produce little
radioactive pollution due to safety precautions that must be adhered to.108 Accidents at these power
plants can cause dangerously high radioactive pollution.109 In 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power
station suffered a major accident which was followed by a prolonged release to the atmosphere of
large quantities of radioactive substances110, killing 985 000 people mostly from Cancer.111
Thermal pollution is excess heat that creates undesirable, long term effects over long periods of
time.112 As temperatures increase, climatic changes may be observed, and wildlife populations may be
unable to recover from swift changes.113 Causes of thermal pollution includes water as cooling agent
in power, manufacturing and industrial plants, soil erosion, deforestation, runoff from paved surfaces
and natural causes. 114
Production and manufacturing plants are biggest source of thermal pollution.115 These plants draw
water from nearby source to keep machines cool and then release back to the source with higher
temperature.116 When heated water returns to the river or ocean, the water temperature rises
sharply.117 When oxygen levels are altered in the water.118 This process could wipe away streamside
vegetation, which constantly depends on constant levels of oxygen and temperature.119 Soil erosion is
99
http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/healtheffects.asp
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
101
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
102
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
103
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
104
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
105
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
106
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
107
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
108
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
109
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
110
https://www.oecd-nea.org/rp/chernobyl/c0e.html
111
http://www.globalresearch.ca/new-book-concludes-chernobyl-death-toll-985-000-mostly-from-cancer/20908
112
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
113
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
114
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
115
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
116
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
117
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
118
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
119
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
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another major factor that causes thermal pollution.120 Consistent soil erosion causes water bodies to
rise, making them more exposed to sunlight.121 Trees and plants prevent sunlight from falling directly
on lakes, ponds or rivers.122 When deforestation takes place, these water bodies are directly exposed
to sunlight, thus absorbing more heat and raising its temperature.123 Deforestation is also a main
cause of the higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.124 Urban runoff discharged to surface waters
from paved surfaces like roads and parking lots can make water warmer.125 During summer seasons,
the pavement gets quite hot, which creates warm runoff that gets into the sewer systems and water
bodies.126 Natural causes like volcanoes and geothermal activity under the oceans and seas can
trigger warm lava to raise the temperature of water bodies.127 Lightening can also introduce massive
amount of heat into the oceans.128 This means that the overall temperature of the water source will
rise, having significant impacts on the environment.129
Light pollution is the over illumination of an area in a way that is considered obtrusive. Light pollution
makes it impossible to see stars, therefore interfering with astronomical observation and personal
enjoyment.130 If it is near residential areas, light pollution can also degrade the quality of life for
residents.131 Light pollution has environmental consequences for the planet and health consequences
for humans.132 Night vision can be severely impacted.133 Glare on the eyes from excessive night
lighting can cause disability glare.134 Disability glare is glare from roadway lighting that is so bright it
causes us to avert our eyes.135 Disability glare reduces ability to distinguish contrast and colour
perception.136 The aging eye is also susceptible to eyestrain and loss of night vision.137
The circadian rhythm is the 24-hour cycle that our bodies run on and what keeps us happy and
healthy.138 Studies show that disruption of this cycle can lead to insomnia, depression, cancer, and
cardiovascular disease.139 Over exposure to artificial light causes your circadian rhythm to be thrown
off, possibly leading up to these severe side effects over time.140 Melatonin: a hormone called
Melatonin is what maintains a natural sleeping rhythm.141 Artificial light affects this rhythm, decreasing
120
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
122
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
123
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
124
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
125
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
126
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
127
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
128
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
129
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
130
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
131
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
132
http://www.alive.com/articles/view/23749/the_negative_effects_of_light_pollution
133
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
134
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
135
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
136
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
137
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
138
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/16/this-modern-day-convenience-can-disrupt-yourmetabolism-and-interfere-with-learning.aspx
139
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/1/
140
http://www.writingwrocks.com/eportfolio/view/view.php?id=3572
141
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/1/
121
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the levels of melatonin in your body.142 Melatonin is only produced in the darkness.143 Even a little
exposure to artificial light will disturb the melatonin production.144
Light pollution also negatively affects animals.145 The sky glow from towns and cities cause nocturnal
wildlife around the world to experience a loss of their night ecosystem.146 Mammals lose a lot of their
internal night systems due to over lit areas.147 Light pollution causes amphibians to suffer by lowering
population, decrease in body weight, and confusion between insects that protect nature rather than
harming it.148 Insects such as moths and flies suffer a decrease in population due to light pollution
because it is easier for predators to hunt the insects.149 The decreased insect population impacts all
the animals that feed on insects as their main food source.150 Birds definitely suffer the most from light
pollution.151 Over 100 million birds in the United States die from collisions with lighted buildings alone.
The lighted buildings attract them.152 That’s not all; some migrating birds don’t reach their destination
because the artificial lights interfere with their navigation and can throw them off course. In with
reptiles, for example turtles travel up on beach shores to bury their eggs in the sand.153 Baby sea
turtles rely on the moon to lead them to the sea.154 Artificial light can lead them to roads where cars
can run them over or to someplace far off until they die from exhaustion.155
Relevant Member States and NGOs
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- An organization, which has a mission of protecting human
health and the environment.156 When the Congress writes an environmental law, EPA implement it by
writing regulation.157 If the Congress fails to meet the national standards, EPA can help them.158 Also,
EPA enforce our regulations, and they help companies understand the requirements.159
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - Has been part of the important movement to fight climate change. Their
vision is a world powered by renewable energy, where communities and ecosystems are resilient in
142
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/1/
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/1/
144
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/1/
145
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
146
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
147
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
148
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
149
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
150
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
151
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
152
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
153
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
154
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
155
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
156
http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa
157
http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/our-mission-and-what-we-do
158
http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/our-mission-and-what-we-do
159
http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/our-mission-and-what-we-do
143
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the face of climate change.160 They engage millions of Americans, leading businesses and
government leaders to realize this future.161
Greenpeace- Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change
attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.162 They are
pushing for some big, visionary measures to turn around the global trend towards runaway climate
change.163
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - It is an independent, non-profit organization that protects
forests for future generations.164 They are an open, membership-led organization that sets standards
under which forests and companies are certified.165 Their membership consists of three equally
weighted chambers -- environmental, economic, and social -- to ensure the balance and the highest
level of integrity.166
National Geographic Society- It is one of the largest, well-funded and most prominent environmental
organizations.167 Focusing on science-based research and general interest as well as conservation
efforts, it is decidedly environmentalist without that being the overt thrust of the organization, choosing
instead to celebrate amazing wonders of the earth and its creatures.168
Timeline
10.12.2000-
The Treaty on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) required the complete phase-out of
nine persistent, highly toxic pesticides and limited the use of several other chemicals,
including dioxins, furans, and PCBs.169
16.1.2001-
The IPCC releases a report citing "new and stronger evidence that most of the
observed warming of the last 50 years is attributable to human activities" and that at
current rates, temperatures will increase by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees Celsius by 2100.170
28.3.2001-
The Bush administration reconfirmed that it opposed the Kyoto Protocol (the
international treaty to fight global warming), saying that the country cannot afford to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions. 171
3.10.2001-
UN reports that tropical countries lose more than 15 million hectares of forests a year to
agriculture, logging, and other threats.172
160
https://www.worldwildlife.org/initiatives/climate
http://www.worldwildlife.org/initiatives/climate
162
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/about/
163
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/about/
164
https://us.fsc.org/who-we-are.176.htm
165
https://us.fsc.org/who-we-are.176.htm
166
https://us.fsc.org/who-we-are.176.htm
167
http://blogs.ethz.ch/prespecific/2013/05/23/green-activism-25-environmental-organizations-and-agencies/
168
http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2008/09/24/25-environmental-agencies-and-organizations/
169
http://www.chem.unep.ch/pops/princ5.htm
170
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/108.htm
171
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/29/us/us-going-empty-handed-to-meeting-on-global-warming.html
172
http://www.fao.org/WAICENT/OIS/PRESS_NE/PRESSENG/2001/pren0161.htm
161
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23.10.2001-
Study links nearly 2 000 cases of thyroid cancer to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear
accident, which is the largest group of human cancers associated with a known cause
and date.173
25.2.2002-
Report says up to 80 percent of U.S. computers and electronics collected for recycling
are sent to Asia threatening worker health and the environment.174
12.8.2002-
The UN warns about a 3-kilometer-deep smog layer stretching across South Asia is
modifying weather patterns, damaging agriculture, and endangering health.175
19.12.2002-
Oil tanker Prestige carrying 77,000 tons of oil splits apart, contaminating Spain's Galicia
coastline and unleashing public anger worldwide.176
22.7.2003-
Europe adopted first climate emissions trading law, giving carbon dioxide a market
value across the EU when trading began in 2005.177
2.9.2003-
Scientists report Earth's northern hemisphere has been hotter since 1980 than at any
time during the past 2,000 years.178
26.12.2003-
A 6.6 earthquake flattened the city of Bam in south-eastern Iran, and about 26 000
people were killed 179 and about 270 000 were affected.
26.12.2004-
A 9.1 earthquake off western Indonesia triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean, killing
230 000 people in a dozen countries 180 and affecting about 2 300 000 people.181
8.10.2005-
A 7.6 earthquake killed about 80 000 people 182and affected about 5 100 000 183 lives in
north-western Pakistan and Kashmir.
2.4.2007-
The Environmental Protection Agency got the authority to regulate the greenhouse
gases that contribute to the global climate.184
16.11.2007-
A United Nations panel of scientists describe the mounting risks of climate change, by
synthesizing reams of data from its three previous reports. The United Nations
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change specifically point out important risks if
governments fail to respond. 185
173
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/118.htm
http://www.ban.org/ban_news/ewastepr.html
175
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=259&ArticleID=3103
176
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/53.htm
177
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/11.htm
178
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/5.htm
179
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/natural-disasters-past-decade_n_4260075.html
180
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/natural-disasters-past-decade_n_4260075.html
181
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/datablog/2011/mar/18/world-disasters-earthquake-data
182
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/natural-disasters-past-decade_n_4260075.html
183
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/datablog/2011/mar/18/world-disasters-earthquake-data
184
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/03/washington/03scotus.html
185
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/17/science/earth/17climate.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
174
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2.5.2008-
The storm surge from Cyclone Nargis washed up areas around the Irrawaddy River
delta in Myanmar, killing around 138 000 people 186 and affecting 2 420 000 lives.187
12.5.2008-
A 7.9 temblor in Sichuan, China killed 87 000 people 188 and affected approximately
46 000 000 people’s lives.189
7.12.2009-
The E.P.A declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases constitute a threat
to human health and welfare, empowering the agency to regulate those emissions
under the Clean Air Act.190
12.1.2010-
A 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti's capital and the surrounding cities, killing 314 000
people191 and 3 400 000 were affected.192
11.3.2011-
A magnitude-9.0 earthquake in northeaster Japan caused a tsunami. About 19 000
people were killed three nuclear reactors melt at the Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant.193
Resolutions (+ treaties and big UN NGOs)
11.12.1997-
An International agreement called The Kyoto Protocol, which is
linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change, sets internationally binding emission reduction
targets.194
A/HRC/RES/6/8 (2007) -
Human rights and equitable access to safe drinking water and
sanitation
A/HRC/RES/7/23 (2008) -
Human rights and climate change
A/HRC/RES/7/22 (2008) -
Human rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation
A/HRC/RES/16/27 (2011) -
The right to food
A/HRC/25/L.31 (2014) -
Human rights and the environment
A/HRC/27/L.11/Rev.1 (2014) -
The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation
Sources
http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/healtheffects.asp
186
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/natural-disasters-past-decade_n_4260075.html
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/datablog/2011/mar/18/world-disasters-earthquake-data
188
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/natural-disasters-past-decade_n_4260075.html
189
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/datablog/2011/mar/18/world-disasters-earthquake-data
190
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/science/earth/08epa.html
191
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/natural-disasters-past-decade_n_4260075.html
192
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/datablog/2011/mar/18/world-disasters-earthquake-data
193
http://www.salon.com/2013/11/12/the_decades_deadliest_natural_disasters/
194
http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php
187
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http://environment.about.com/od/smogfaq/f/smog_faq_three.htm
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution
http://isatalaatharb.weebly.com/types-of-pollution.html
http://joannedoubtfire.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Radioactive-Pollution
http://understandingsociety.blogspot.fi/2010/06/social-progress.html
http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2008/09/24/25-environmental-agencies-and-organizations/
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/about_forests/deforestation/
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/HG21Df01.html
http://www.azdeq.gov/ceh/risks.html
http://www.ban.org/ban_news/ewastepr.html
http://www.chem.unep.ch/pops/princ5.htm
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-noise-pollution.php
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php#sthash.P8krpc7M.dpuf
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-thermal-pollution.php
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/PollutionTypes.php
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/SmogPollution.php#sthash.IEL8B2NO.dpuf
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-water-pollution-facts.php#sthash.PDLlbd4x.dpuf
http://www.design4disaster.org/disasters-2/man-made-disasters/environmental-disasters/
http://www.economist.com/node/14447171
http://www.ehib.org/page.jsp?page_key=149
http://www.eird.org/isdr-biblio/PDF/Natural%20disasters%20and%20the%20impacts.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects/health.html
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/basics/
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/students/wastsite/airpolut.htm
http://www.fao.org/WAICENT/OIS/PRESS_NE/PRESSENG/2001/pren0161.htm
http://www.globalissues.org/article/214/stress-on-the-environment-society-and-resources
http://www.globalresearch.ca/new-book-concludes-chernobyl-death-toll-985-000-mostly-from-cancer/20908
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/about/
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/oceans/fit-for-the-future/overfishing/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/natural-disasters-past-decade_n_4260075.html
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/noaa-n/climate/climate_weather.html#.VIjE-jGsXdk
http://www.newagepublishers.com/samplechapter/001773.pdf
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/29/us/us-going-empty-handed-to-meeting-on-global-warming.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/03/washington/03scotus.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/17/science/earth/17climate.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/science/earth/08epa.html
http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/IDPersons/OperationalGuidelines_IDP.pdf
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Environment/IEEnvironment/Pages/IEenvironmentIndex.aspx
http://www.oxstyle.com/2012/02/type-of-pollution.html
http://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/waters-edge-the-crisis-of-rising-sea-levels/
http://www.righttoenvironment.org/default.asp?pid=36
http://www.righttoenvironment.org/default.asp?pid=53
http://www.salon.com/2013/11/12/the_decades_deadliest_natural_disasters/
http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/content/view/321/27/
http://www.symptomfind.com/health/causes-of-noise-pollution-and-its-effects-on-health/
http://www.symptomfind.com/health/causes-of-noise-pollution-and-its-effects-on-health/
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http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/may/29/1
http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/ClimateChange/Submissions/International_Commission_of_Jurists_
Dutch_Section_NJCM_ClimateChange_HR.pdf
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/datablog/2011/mar/18/world-disasters-earthquake-data
http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=259&ArticleID=3103
http://www.unhcr.org/540854f49.pdf
http://www.unocha.org/what-we-do/advocacy/thematic-campaigns/climate-change/threats-solutions
http://www.who.int/topics/air_pollution/en/
http://www.worldwildlife.org/initiatives/climate
http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa
http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/our-mission-and-what-we-do
https://profile.theguardian.com/user/id/11376575
https://us.fsc.org/who-we-are.176.htm
https://www.environment.gov.za/speech/thomson_firstlightbulbrecycling
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Environment/IEEnvironment/Pages/IEenvironmentIndex.aspx
http://www.unocha.org/top-stories/all-stories/2015-environmental-emergencies-forum
https://www.oecd-nea.org/rp/chernobyl/c0e.html
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/108.htm
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/11.htm
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/118.htm
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/5.htm
https://www.worldwatch.org/brain/features/timeline/tlitems/53.htm
http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php
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