International Courts and Environmental Protection

A comprehensive examination of international environmental litigation which addresses the major environmental challenges of the twenty-first century.

Tim Stephens (Author)

9780521881227, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 February 2009

458 pages, 7 maps 3 tables
23.6 x 15.8 x 2.7 cm, 0.86 kg

'Stephens does not simply review, but he masterfully analyzes, assesses, and carefully investigates the effectiveness and usefulness of the varieties of international courts that administer transboundary environmental law in adjudicating transboundary disputes … Stephens has pulled together disparate strands of complex international legal activity surrounding environmental adjudication and organized them into a very readable and thought-provoking monograph. Undoubtedly, this book will become a part of required reading for all those interested in international environmental law and adjudication.' Srini Sitarman, Review of International Organizations

International environmental law has come of age, yet the global environment continues to deteriorate. The challenge of the twenty-first century is to reverse this process by ensuring that governments comply fully with their obligations, and progressively assume stricter duties to preserve the environment. This book is the first comprehensive examination of international environmental litigation. Analysing the spectrum of adjudicative bodies that are engaged in the resolution of environmental disputes, it offers a reappraisal of their relevance in contemporary contexts. The book critiques the contribution that arbitral awards and judicial decisions have made to the development of environmental law, and considers the looming challenges for international litigation. With its unique combination of scholarly analysis and practical discussion, this work is especially relevant to an era in which environmental matters are increasingly being brought before international jurisdictions, and will be of great interest to students and scholars engaged with this vital field.

Introduction
Part I. International Courts and Environmental Governance: 1. The patchwork of jurisdictions
2. Institutions of international environmental governance
3. International courts and environmental governance
Part II. Judicial Development: 4. Transboundary environmental damage
5. Freshwater resources and ecosystems
6. Marine wildlife and ecosystems
Part III. Contemporary Challenges: 7. Public interest proceedings
8. Jurisdictional coordination
9. Fragmentation of international environmental law
10. The future of international environmental litigation.

Subject Areas: Courts & procedure [LNAA], International courts & procedures [LBHG], International environmental law [LBBP], International law [LB], Law [L]