How International Law Can Help Tackle Climate Change
For those looking at it from the outside, the COP27 climate summit that took place at the end of November looked a bit of a mess. Ultimately the talks failed to strengthen any of the commitments to curb the use of fossil fuels while for us in the UK, the primary conversation was about whether the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, would attend.
This ought to be a real concern because 2022 produced extreme and dangerous weather conditions for all to see, and 2023 will likely follow suit. Nevertheless, one important agreement was agreed at the summit and shows how international law will play a vital role in tackling climate change.
In essence countries agreed to create a fund for ‘loss and damage’ so states that have done little to contribute to the climate crisis can receive funds if they are doomed to suffer its consequences. This means that when countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh experience extreme flooding, they can dip into the fund and this can help recovery or even help establish preventative measures to ensure that the effects are not as severe in the future.
This, of course, does not solve climate change and, if anything, it could be argued that it merely mitigates the effects of emissions from larger, richer countries like China, the U.S., and the U.K.
However, this move should not be underestimated. Combatting climate change is a global effort and achieving any consensus on an international level is surprising yet welcome.
Indeed, going into the conference, it looked like such a fund would be impossible. The U.S. merely wanted to begin discussions that would establish a fund at some point in 2024 and the EU was sceptical. Thanks to discussions, the EU had a change of heart and pressure from a number of developing countries brought the U.S. onside.
The details still need working out: how much should go into the fund? how much should each country pay? should it be tied to emissions? etc. but this is an important start.
International law, and the law in general, is often thought of as being purely adversarial but it can be used to achieve collaboration between parties and ensure positive steps are taken on issues that affect all of us.
After a short break for Christmas and the New Year, the podcast is back with an episode on planning law. We explore how planning conditions contrast with planning obligations and what local authorities can do to work alongside developers.
Episode link: http://uklawweekly.com/2022-uksc-33/
Make a difference today,
Marcus