Which countries include environmental rights in their constitutions?

Many nations have formally recognized environmental rights by incorporating them into their national constitutions. This legal trend reflects a growing global commitment to the ethical principle that protecting the natural world is essential for the well-being of both current and future generations.1

Countries that include such provisions in their constitutions include:

• Germany: The Basic Law (Grundgesetz) mandates that the government protect the natural foundations of life for future generations.1
• China: The constitution requires the state to ensure the rational use of natural resources and protect rare animals and plants.1
• South Africa: The constitution recognizes the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being and mandates its protection for present and future generations.1
• Bulgaria: The constitution provides for a right to a healthy and favorable environment, subject to established standards.1
• Chile: The constitution guarantees the right to live in an environment free from contamination.1

These constitutional mandates serve as a foundational layer of environmental law, complementing the statutory and regulatory frameworks that govern environmental protection globally.1