The Indivisibility of Human Dignity and Sustainability

Human dignity means that all people have equal worth and deserve to live in dignity. This chapter posits that human dignity and a healthy environment are indivisible rights essential to the three dimensions of sustainability – environmental, social, and economic. A healthy environment is a necessary component of living in dignity: all have an equal claim to healthy air, water, and surroundings. Dignity is elemental to social sustainability, that is, building strong and resilient communities under the rule of law. Dignity is also essential to economic sustainability.