International Environmental Law and the Global South - Introduction

Abstract

The unprecedented degradation of the planet’s vital ecosystems is among the most pressing issues confronting the international community. Despite the proliferation of legal instruments to combat environmental problems, conflicts between rich and poor nations (the North-South divide) have compromised the effectiveness of international environmental law, leading to deadlocks in environmental treaty negotiations and non-compliance with existing agreements. International Environmental Law and the Global South examines both the historical origins of the North-South divide in European colonialism as well as its contemporary manifestations in a range of issues, including food justice, energy justice, indigenous rights, trade, investment, extractive industries, human rights, land grabs, hazardous waste, and climate change. Born out of the recognition that global inequality and profligate consumerism present threats to a sustainable planet, this books makes a unique contribution to international environmental law by emphasizing the priorities and concerns of the global South.

Note: The downloadable document contains the table of contents as well as the first chapter (co-authored by Sumudu Atapattu and Carmen G. Gonzalez).

Keywords: international environmental law, environmental justice, sustainable development, TWAIL, food justice, energy justice, climate change, indigenous peoples, human rights, land grabs, hazardous waste, right to food, right to water, natural disaster, sovereign wealth funds, international investment law

JEL Classification: K32, K33, K190, N05, O13, O19, Q01, Q56