Economic Interests and Environmental Protection in the Context of Human Rights: Seeking Balance in International Law

The interplay between economic development and environmental protection has become a central concern in contemporary international law. While economic growth drives national and global prosperity, it often exerts significant pressures on natural resources, threatening ecosystems and, by extension, fundamental human rights. This article explores how international law seeks to reconcile these competing priorities by promoting sustainable development and safeguarding human dignity. Drawing on perspectives from both economics and law, the study examines legal principles, international treaties, and judicial decisions that demonstrate the ongoing struggle to achieve a balanced approach. The article argues that sustainable development, when understood as the integration of economic, environmental, and human rights considerations, is essential for equitable and long-term prosperity.