The Reuters agency reports that pollution is causing more deaths among the world population than COVID-19.
An environmental report, published on February 15 by the United Nations, says that pesticides, plastics and electronic waste are responsible for at least 9 million deaths per year.
By comparison, COVID-19 closed 2021 with a death toll of close to 5.9 million.
Experts say it's time for "immediate and ambitious action" when it comes to tackling the global pollution problem.
Current approaches to managing the risks posed by pollution and toxic substances are clearly failing , resulting in widespread violations of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
The UN Human Rights Council believes that a clean living environment is a human right.
The UN Human Rights Council has urged world leaders to ban polyfluoroalkyls and perfluoroalkyls, toxic chemicals used in household products.
Council has also moved to ban cancer-causing products that contain "forever chemicals," such as sticky cookware.
UN officials have recommended that governments start clearing so-called "sacrifice zones." In extreme cases, officials suggest the possible relocation of communities affected by highly contaminated and possibly uninhabitable areas.
