International Environmental Law Overview

The body of international law related to environmental problems, including both public and private law.

All external, physical and biological conditions where organisms live; includes social, cultural, economic and political factors, along with natural resources like climate and food.

In environmental law, the idea of looking at how parts of nature work together—not solely on isolated components.

Methods used to define 'environment' in international law; can involve scientific categories, broad undefined use or defining it in specific legal contexts.

International agreements sometimes don't explicitly define 'environment' using broad terms like 'life or health' or specific resource categories.

A state's right to exclusive control over its territory and resources.

Pollution that crosses international borders, affecting multiple countries.

A principle of international law asserting that a country should not cause harm to another country's territory or resources.

Groups of countries working together on specific global issues, often formed through treaties.

Rules of international law developed from consistent state practice and accepted as law.

Agreements between countries that outline specific commitments related to environmental protection.

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The first comprehensive international treaty regulating a global environmental issue, covering the use and protection of the oceans.

The difference between what a treaty aims to achieve and its actual on-the-ground effectiveness.

A newer approach to international environmental law that focuses on cooperation and problem-solving rather than punishment.

The increasing participation of NGOs and individuals in shaping and implementing international environmental law.

A cornerstone document establishing principles for sustainable development, including the 'precautionary principle' and the right to development.

The Rio Conference's action plan for sustainable development, encompassing economic, social, and environmental aspects.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, aiming to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Eight goals adopted by the UN in 2000 to address global challenges like poverty, hunger, and environmental sustainability.

A follow-up to the Rio Conference, aiming to strengthen commitments to sustainable development and create partnerships.

Collaborations between governments, businesses, and NGOs to achieve sustainable development goals.

A UN conference in 2012 focusing on sustainable development, aiming to balance environmental protection and economic development.

The outcome document of the Rio+20 Conference, outlining a vision for a sustainable future through cooperative action between countries.

A UN summit where the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was adopted.

17 goals with specific targets that aim to achieve a sustainable future by 2030, addressing challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental protection, and more.

The focus on moving from simply agreeing on goals to actually taking action and making progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

A fundamental document outlining principles for international environmental protection, adopted at the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment.

States have the sovereign right to exploit their resources, but must avoid harming the environment of other states.

First major UN conference globally focusing on environmental issues, resulting in the Stockholm Declaration and other agreements.

1972 document outlining principles for international environmental protection

Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Waterways, air, etc. that are shared by more than one state

A specialized agency of the UN to promote and coordinate environmental protection.

States' right to control and use their own natural resources for national development and people's well-being

Year and location of the first UN Conference on the Human Environment

States work together to protect shared resources and address environmental issues

Introduction of new ways of thinking about and managing the relationship between economic development and the environment.

Early case that established principles of state responsibility for regulating exploitation beyond national jurisdiction.

Major oil spill, a turning point in public awareness of pollution.

Difference in viewpoints of international cooperation and environmental protection by countries that are 'developed' versus those that are 'developing'.