Chapter 19: The protection of the environment

A video tutorial from author Gleider Hernández introducing the topics in chapter 19 of International Law

View the transcript here.

Key points for reflection:

  • Historically defined: from 1972 Stockholm, 1992 Rio de Janeiro to 2015 Paris?
  • Sources of international environmental law and the place of ‘soft law’ and other innovative compliance regimes
  • Substantive international environmental law has developed in response to specific issues (e.g. the ozone layer or the protection of endangered species)
  • The role of the United Nations Environment Programme and its engagement with other aspects of the UN’s work
  • Chief principle: concept of sustainable development, now accepted as custom by the ICJ in Gabcikovo-Nagymaros (1997)
  • Contested principles: obligations of prevention, duties of due diligence, the principle of precaution

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