Climate Law
Big emitters accused of hiding behind climate treaties in international hearing
The US, Saudi Arabia and others have pushed back against a global bid to clarify states’ legal obligations to tackle climate change
New global climate commitments critical – but strong national laws must follow
International emissions-cutting targets need to be translated into national laws to guarantee delivery and protect the rights of future generations
Pressure builds on Council of Europe to put right to healthy environment in law
The Council of Europe will discuss the right to a healthy environment at a “historic” upcoming leaders summit in Reykjavik
International Court of Justice to advise states on climate duties: ‘A turning point for climate justice’
The United Nations has ordered the International Court of Justice to advise states on their legal responsibilities on climate change, following a global initiative led by Vanuatu
Climate in court: The Paris Agreement’s role in safeguarding human rights
The European court on Human Rights will rule on whether climate inaction breaches human rights and the case will have global implications
Shell faces Dutch court in case testing how Paris climate goals apply to businesses
Climate campaigners say Shell is violating human rights by continuing to invest billions in fossil fuels, calling for a much faster shift to clean energy
Netherlands proposes 95% emissions cut by 2050 in draft climate law
Under proposals backed by seven political parties across the spectrum, the Netherlands could set one of the most ambitious carbon targets in the world
Vulnerable countries warned: Protect your legal rights in a Paris accord
COMMENT: Countries may be waiving claims to future climate compensation in a new deal. Know what you’re signing away, writes barrister Tim Crosland
What could a legally binding UN climate deal look like?
ANALYSIS: Countries agreed to target a ‘legally binding’ climate pact in 2011, but four years later it’s still not clear how it will work
Vanuatu backs plan to sue major carbon polluters for climate damage
NEWS: Pacific island’s president supports moves by vulnerable communities to explore legal avenues for court case
New climate change laws are spreading faster than ever
COMMENT: With 75% of global emissions now covered by national targets, a UN emissions cutting pact is within reach
Oil guzzling Malta proposes climate change law
NEWS: New law would set up Climate Action Fund and carry prison sentences for those breaking its obligations
Rhode Island signs off new climate change law
NEWS: East Coast state targets 80% greenhouse gas emissions cut below 1990 levels by 2050
Climate change in the dock: Rethinking the role of international law
From loss and damage payments to truth and reconciliation hearings, international law could contribute to global efforts to combat and cope with climate change beyond the UNFCCC talks, writes Joy Hyvarinen
A week in climate change: five things we learnt
RTCC summarises five of the biggest ideas on climate change, energy and clean development that emerged this week.
Mexico to introduce radical climate law
If passed, Mexico’s General Law on Climate will make it the second country in the world to have legislated against climate change.