The United Nations General Assembly declared last year that everyone on the planet has a right to a healthy environment, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, Escazu Agreement, Arab Charter on Human Rights, and ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights each include a right to a healthy environment.

Why should we not recognise this right also in our laws?

All Australians are impacted by the lack of a universal right to a healthy environment. Without this right, our natural world is under threat, which has far-reaching impacts on human health and well-being. Air pollution, water contamination, and deforestation are just some of the consequences of this problem.

What is at stake is the health and survival of our planet and all its inhabitants. If we continue on this path without a universal right to a healthy environment, we risk irreparable damage to ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and increased risks to human health. This would have severe economic, social, and environmental consequences, impacting not only Australians but also our global community.

Now is the time to act because we cannot afford to wait any longer. The need for a universal right to a healthy environment has become increasingly urgent, as we face the pressing threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. This law will hold companies accountable for their actions that harm the environment, ensuring they cannot hide from their responsibilities.

By signing this petition, we can send a strong message to our policymakers that we demand a universal right to a healthy environment for all Australians, and that immediate action is necessary to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.