Breathing as a Right: Air Pollution and Human Dignity

Air pollution is often framed as an environmental or public health issue. But what if it is also a question of human rights? In this episode, Michael Asharley explores the idea that clean air is not a luxury, but a fundamental part of human dignity—something every person is entitled to, yet millions are denied every day.Drawing on powerful insights from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, Astrid Puentes Riaño, this episode connects global evidence to local realities in Ghana. From rising health risks in urban centres like Accra to the disproportionate burden on vulnerable communities, the episode shows how polluted air affects every stage of life—and why the crisis is both preventable and solvable.Clean Air Report Ghana is a collaboration between New Narratives and leading Ghanaian newsrooms. Funding is provided by the Clean Air Fund which had no say in the reporting.