Cambridge University Press International Environmental Law and the Global South

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 international environmental law, leading to deadlocks in environmental treaty negotiations and noncompliance with existing agreements. This volume 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 book makes a unique contribution to international environmental law by emphasizing the priorities and perspectives of the global South. Review 'This is a richly superb book. It is the first systematic exploration of the closely entwined relationship between environmental, economic and human rights issues in a North-South context. It adopts a historical and critical approach and authoritatively moves discussions of international environmental law and policy beyond a state-centric framework. It gives voice to perspectives and issues from the global South including the challenges of accountability of non-state actors and addresses how these challenges could be resolved. In short, it is one of the most important new contributions to international environmental law and policy scholarship in the last few decades.' James T. Gathii, Wing-Tat Lee Chair in International Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law'International law has historically excluded the perspectives and insights of large segments of humanity. International Environmental Law and the Global South breaks new ground by analyzing international environmental law through the lens of North-South politics and groups on the margins. It will give inspiration and courage to those working in international environmental law and related fields to achieve a more just and sustainable society.' Hilary Charlesworth, Professor and Director, Centre for International Governance and Justice, Regulatory Institutions Network, Australian National University'International Environmental Law and the Global South offers a rich fare of themes and contributors … The focus on the global South is extremely important, even as the Anthropocene era affects us all. The phenomenon of 'disappearing states' is poignant for the South as are problems of rehabilitation and compensation being recently addressed by the community of states. So are the links between trade and sustainable development and issues of green governance. The emphasis on environmental justice and vulnerable groups is particularly valuable in this context … Given the eminence of the editors and contributors, this work will be indispensable for policymakers at all levels, students, scholars and the enlightened publics in the global South particularly but it would be an error to think that it has no messages generally for us all wherever situated.' Upendra Baxi, Professor of Law in Development Emeritus, University of Warwick, and Professor of Law Emeritus, University of Delhi'Conflicts between North and South threaten a permanent derailment of actions necessary to provide for global environmental wellbeing. This path-breaking collection of essays aims to build bridges, by helping us to understand the concerns of the peoples and states of the global South. This vital book should be mandatory reading for international law scholars, students and policy-makers at a time of real challenge.' Philippe Sands, Professor of Law and Director, Centre for International Courts and Tribunals, University College London'The pity is, of course, that