Final answer:
The right to a healthy environment includes access to clean water, clean air, adequate food, proper sanitation, and shelter, which are key components for the well-being of individuals and align with human rights norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The right to a healthy environment is essential for the well-being of all individuals and encompasses various components including access to clean water, clean air, adequate food, proper sanitation, and shelter. These elements are not only fundamental to survival, but they also align with human rights norms and are crucial for achieving a sustainable and equitable society. Governments worldwide have varied approaches to ensuring these rights, with more than 100 countries explicitly recognizing the right to a healthy environment within their national constitutions.
Access to water and sanitation is directly linked to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and the lack of such can lead to significant public health issues, including diseases that are particularly harmful to children. Additionally, a clean environment provides broader societal benefits, such as healthier populations and economic advantages for industries that depend on environmental resources. Therefore, addressing environmental health is crucial for sustainable development and ensures that all people can live in conditions that respect their basic rights to health and safety.