Project Abstract

Abstract
Environmental decision-making is a complex process that involves balancing various interests, including economic development, public health, and environmental protection. The role of law in shaping environmental decision-making is crucial, as it provides a framework for decision-makers to consider environmental impacts, set standards, and enforce compliance. This research project explores the intersection of law and environmental decision-making, focusing on the legal mechanisms that influence how decisions are made and implemented in the environmental context. The project begins by examining the foundational principles of environmental law, such as the precautionary principle, polluter pays principle, and sustainable development. These principles guide decision-making by requiring decision-makers to consider the potential environmental harm of their actions, assign responsibility for environmental damage, and promote long-term sustainability. By understanding these principles, stakeholders can better assess the legal context in which environmental decisions are made. The research then delves into the regulatory frameworks that govern environmental decision-making at the national and international levels. National laws and regulations play a critical role in setting standards for environmental protection, such as emission limits, water quality standards, and land use regulations. International agreements and conventions further shape environmental decision-making by establishing norms and standards that transcend national borders, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change or the Convention on Biological Diversity. In addition to legal principles and regulatory frameworks, the project also examines the role of judicial review in environmental decision-making. Courts play a crucial role in interpreting and applying environmental laws, ensuring that decision-makers comply with legal requirements and hold them accountable for their actions. Judicial review provides an important check on the exercise of governmental power, promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in environmental decision-making processes. Overall, this research project highlights the multifaceted role of law in environmental decision-making and emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection. By understanding the legal principles, regulatory frameworks, and judicial mechanisms that shape environmental decision-making, stakeholders can better navigate the complex landscape of environmental governance and work towards more informed and sustainable decisions.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

This collection draws together a range of approaches to environmental legal issues, covering a broad spectrum from domestic to international law. The contributors investigate aspects of law’s influence in environmental decision-making and consider whether legal institutions and theory can respond adequately to the challenge of environmental change.

`it is a book which provides an example of the way forward – a positive step in the right direction for environmental law … a book that is wide-ranging in its scope but which at the same time offers some valuable discussion of the significant key issues which are raised in these assorted jurisdictions and varied legal areas … this book provides a valuable contribution to the progress towards a more mature approach to enviromental law, as well as a collection that sign posts the way for other environmental lawyers.’ Fiona Donson, Law Quarterly Review, Oct 1999