Issue Unequal access to clean environments prompting litigation

Summary

Over the longer term, the report expects ecosystem degradation could open gaps in access to clean environments. Such gaps could prompt governments and polluters to face wide-ranging lawsuits over damage to health. The report holds that pollution deepens social inequality and remains an ongoing threat to the health of people and the planet. It also observes that marginalised communities tend to face heavier pollution. Children, older adults and people with underlying conditions are especially vulnerable. The report judges that improving the quality of local spaces would raise community wellbeing and could also attract tourism.