Just before this year’s World Environment Day on June 5th, the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights and the Environment of the UN, David Boyd, pressed for states to take critical steps to improve the quality of air to accomplish their human rights goals. The growing problem of air pollution violates human rights around the world as a noxious, man-made element, catapulting premature deaths on a grand scale with a death toll of seven million annually, 600,000 of whom are children.[1]
According to Boyd, every five seconds, someone in the world has an untimely death as a result of the low air quality.
“The right to a healthy environment is fundamental to human well-being and is legally recognized by over 150 States at the national and regional levels. It should be globally reaffirmed to ensure the enjoyment of this right by everyone everywhere while upholding the human rights principles of universality and non-discrimination.” [1]
Boyd went on to explain that the air quality improvements of China, the host of World Environment Day 2019, was a prime example of how both their human rights and the environment goals were achieved. While Beijing, the capital of China, has long been associated with air pollution over the decades, a rigorous endeavor from local and regional authorities have recorded air quality improvements in the last few years.
Boyd further recommended actions for governments to take in order to improve the quality of air for their nation. Such recommendations included observing air quality and its impact on human health, gauging sources of air pollution, and implementing air quality legislation, among others.
Globetrotting with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
With the current state of air quality across the globe, if you have a respiratory disease, having a portable oxygen concentrator on your person as you travel the world is highly recommended by our staff here at Oxygen Always. POCs such as the Inogen One G4, Oxlife Independence, or AirSep Focus make for great companions when traveling. Remember to consult your healthcare physician first about the best portable oxygen concentrator for your respiratory condition.
Want to learn more about our inventory of portable oxygen concentrators? Contact a friendly representative of Oxygen Always for further assistance. Don’t forget to stay tuned to our blog for further updates on new oxygen concentrators and the air quality across the globe.
Sources
[1] UN News – With a premature death every five seconds, air pollution is a violation of human rights, says UN expert
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