Edward Elgar Publishing Research Handbook on Law, Governance and Planetary Boundaries (Research Handbooks in Environmental Law series)

This comprehensive Research Handbook is the first study to link law and Earth system science through the epistemic lens of the planetary boundaries framework. It critically examines the legal and governance aspects of the framework, considering not only each planetary boundary, but also a range of systemic issues, including the ability of law to keep us within the planetary boundaries’ safe operating space. The expert contributors investigate the current and potential role of law in relation to the complex task and regulatory challenges of governing the Earth system. They explore three thematic areas: the overarching legal, ethical and governance dimensions of the planetary boundaries; their diverse international law dimensions and the challenges they raise for international law; and the extent to which the law already provides for some of the aspects illuminated by each planetary boundary, alongside opportunities for legal reform. Lawyers, Earth system scientists and governance experts will benefit from the mapping of the next stage of international environmental law included in the chapters. The book will also be a key resource for regulators, legislators and policy-makers looking for an in-depth study of the relationship between law and each of the nine planetary boundaries. Review 'The planetary boundaries concept provides an ideal framework for connecting science with law at the global level. This book explores this connection in great detail, from our undeniable need for limits and the fundamental concepts of ethics, justice and governance to the comprehensive assessment of the legal implications of each of the individual boundaries.' -- - Will Steffen, The Australian National University 'Co-edited by Duncan French and Louis Kotz - two of the foremost scholars in the field of environmental law in the era of the Anthropocene - this Research Handbook is the first comprehensive attempt to investigate, from a legal perspective, the human dimensions of scientific concepts of planetary boundaries. The book brings together a fascinating series of contributions from some of the leading legal thinkers in the field. At a time when raging fires and other ''unprecedented'' environmental disasters are providing increasing evidence of the consequences of failing to respect planetary limits, this book is a timely and important reminder of the contribution that can be made by law in ensuring that humanity and our environment remain within the planet's ''safe operating space''.' -- -- Jacqueline Peel, University of Melbourne, Australia 'If international environmental law is to stay relevant in the face of overwhelming evidence of its inability to address the galloping environmental harms humanity is witnessing, it needs to embrace a fundamental reset of its premises, conceptual pillars, and governance models. Such a reset requires imagination -- imagination that is outrageous in its ambition and fuelled by outrage. This Research Handbook, edited by two of the finest international environmental law scholars of our time, Duncan French and Louis Kotz, is a work of such outrageous imagination. It challenges legal boundaries in its quest to protect planetary ones, and in so doing takes us closer to law and governance fit for environmental purpose.' -- - Lavanya Rajamani, University of Oxford, UK About the Author Edited by Duncan French, Pro Vice Chancellor of the College of Social Science and Professor of International Law, University of Lincoln, UK and Louis J. Kotzé, Research Professor, North-West University, South Africa and Senior Professorial Fellow in Earth System Law, University of Lincoln, UK