ix
environmental responsibilities of states such as the current efforts towards a Global
Pact for the Environment.
The underpinning governance aspects of Taylor’s chapter are the subject of Klaus
Bosselmann’s chapter on environmental trusteeship. The system of international
environmental law is still predicated by a concept of state sovereignty that is ecologically blind and unfit for purpose, i.e. protecting people and planet from harm.
Yet, neither state sovereignty nor international law are static constructs. As GEIG’s
work over the years has shown, ecological integrity is not just sound science with
respect to measuring ecosystem health, many international environmental agreements express the preservation of Earth’s ecological systems a duty of states. It is
now possible to describe Earth trusteeship as a key function state governance as, for
example, articulated in the “Hague Principles” (2018).
Gabriella Colao explores the rules and criteria developed and implemented to
ensure remediation of environmental damages in times of warfare. The lack of an
integrated and holistic approach in the normative framework applicable to armed
conflict renders the environment still extremely vulnerable and at risk. Hence, Colao
firmly advocates the need to shift towards an inherently ecological approach to environmental protection during war conflicts while embracing the ecosystem as a common good, as well as a revisited notion of national interest and responsible
sovereignty.
Toronto, ON
Laura Westra
Klaus Bosselmann
January 4, 2020
Preface
environmental responsibilities of states such as the current efforts towards a Global
Pact for the Environment.
The underpinning governance aspects of Taylor’s chapter are the subject of Klaus
Bosselmann’s chapter on environmental trusteeship. The system of international
environmental law is still predicated by a concept of state sovereignty that is ecologically blind and unfit for purpose, i.e. protecting people and planet from harm.
Yet, neither state sovereignty nor international law are static constructs. As GEIG’s
work over the years has shown, ecological integrity is not just sound science with
respect to measuring ecosystem health, many international environmental agreements express the preservation of Earth’s ecological systems a duty of states. It is
now possible to describe Earth trusteeship as a key function state governance as, for
example, articulated in the “Hague Principles” (2018).
Gabriella Colao explores the rules and criteria developed and implemented to
ensure remediation of environmental damages in times of warfare. The lack of an
integrated and holistic approach in the normative framework applicable to armed
conflict renders the environment still extremely vulnerable and at risk. Hence, Colao
firmly advocates the need to shift towards an inherently ecological approach to environmental protection during war conflicts while embracing the ecosystem as a common good, as well as a revisited notion of national interest and responsible
sovereignty.
Toronto, ON
Laura Westra
Klaus Bosselmann
January 4, 2020
Preface