A/RES/76/112
Protection of the atmosphere
General Assembly, 3 after the International Law Commission had completed its
consideration of this topic in accordance with its statute;
4.
Also takes note of the preamble and guidelines on the protection of the
atmosphere, the text of which is annexed to the present resolution, with the
commentaries thereto, brings them to the attention of States, international
organizations and all who may be called upon to deal with the subject, and encourages
their widest possible dissemination.
49th plenary meeting
9 December 2021
Annex
Guidelines on the protection of the atmosphere
Preamble
Acknowledging that the atmosphere is a natural resource, with a limited
assimilation capacity, essential for sustaining life on Earth, human health and welfare,
and aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems,
Bearing in mind that the transport and dispersion of polluting and degrading
substances occur within the atmosphere,
Considering that atmospheric pollution and atmospheric degradation are a
common concern of humankind,
Aware of the special situation and needs of developing countries,
Noting the close interaction between the atmosphere and the oceans,
Noting in particular the special situation of low-lying coastal areas and small
island developing States due to sea-level rise,
Recognizing that the interests of future generations of humankind in the longterm conservation of the quality of the atmosphere should be fully taken into account,
Recalling that the present guidelines were elaborated on the understanding that
they were not intended to interfere with relevant political negotiations or to impose
on current treaty regimes rules or principles not already contained therein,
Guideline 1
Use of terms
For the purposes of the present guidelines:
(a)
“atmosphere” means the envelope of gases surrounding the Earth;
(b) “atmospheric pollution” means the introduction or release by humans,
directly or indirectly, into the atmosphere of substances or energy contributing to
significant deleterious effects extending beyond the State of origin of such a nature
as to endanger human life and health and the Earth’s natural environment;
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See A/C.6/76/SR.16, A/C.6/76/SR.17, A/C.6/76/SR.18, A/C.6/76/SR.19, A/C.6/76/SR.20,
A/C.6/76/SR.21, A/C.6/76/SR.22, A/C.6/76/SR.23, A/C.6/76/SR.24, A/C.6/76/SR.25 and
A/C.6/76/SR.29. The statements made in the Sixth Committee are available in full (in the
original languages) on the website of the Sixth Committee, at www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/.
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