The Role of the Courts in Facilitating Climate Change Adaptation

Abstract

In applying, implementing and enforcing compliance with the law, judiciaries across the world can make a meaningful contribution towards 'mainstreaming' adaptation programs, preventing maladaptive development and in addressing disputes that arise from adaptation measures (or lack thereof). This comment concisely sketches two of the more significant ways in which the courts are likely to do so.

Keywords: climate change; climate change adaptation; adaptation litigation; environmental rights; judicial review; merits review

JEL Classification: K32