It is a basic right to breathe clean

The world celebrated the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on Sept 7. Yet, nearly 99 percent of the global population breathes polluted air. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), air pollution causes approximately seven million premature deaths annually, making it the leading environmental threat to human health and one of the top preventable causes of death and disease worldwide.

Air pollution doesn’t respect borders—it travels great distances and worsens environmental degradation, economic strain, and social inequalities. Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly are disproportionately affected, and ecosystems suffer severe damage. Many pollutants also drive the climate crisis, meaning that improving air quality can contribute significantly to climate change mitigation.

A 2019 World Bank report estimated the global cost of air pollution-related health damage at a staggering $81trn, accounting for 6.1 percent of the world's GDP. However, in Nepal, the right to breathe clean air is enshrined in our Constitution. Article 30 guarantees every citizen's right to a clean environment, stating that individuals have the right to live in a healthy and clean environment and that polluters must compensate those harmed by environmental degradation.

Yet, this same article includes a clause allowing legal provisions to balance environmental protection with development for the sake of national growth. While this enables industries and infrastructure projects, it has also been used to manipulate laws in favor of vested interests, often at the expense of the environment and public health.

In cities like Kathmandu, where air pollution is a chronic issue due to dense populations and heavy traffic, public health is severely compromised. Numerous reports show that prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality has forced residents to sacrifice their health, economic opportunities, education, and overall well-being. As the monsoon season ends, air pollution in Kathmandu worsens, leaving residents struggling for fresh air—a fundamental right recognized by our Constitution.

It is critical that we assert this constitutional right to clean air, which is being undermined by pollution. While many human rights defenders and organizations are working to safeguard environmental health, it is time for us to collectively recognize the violation of our basic rights and take decisive action to prevent further deprivation of clean air.

Amid several global crises, now is the moment to ensure air pollution does not become another overwhelming threat. Governments, INGOs, NGOs, industries, and individuals must unite to promote stricter environmental regulations, support green energy, and reduce vehicular emissions. By implementing these measures, we can ensure cleaner air for ourselves and future generations. Moreover, we must leverage technology, knowledge, and innovation to create sustainable solutions that preserve air quality and safeguard our health for the long term.