The Implementation and Effectiveness of International Environmental Commitments
The Implementation and Effectiveness of International Environmental Commitments

Author: David G. Victor

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 766

ISBN-13: 9780262720281

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Because environmental problems do not respect borders, their solutions often require international cooperation and agreements. The contributors to this book examine how international environmental agreements are put into practice. Their main concern is effectiveness -- the degree to which such agreements lead to changes in behavior that help to solve environmental problems. Their focus is on implementation -- the process that turns commitments into action, at both domestic and international levels. Implementation is the key to effectiveness because these agreements aim to constrain not just governments but a wide array of actors, including individuals, firms, and agencies whose behavior does not change simply because governments have made international commitments. The book is divided into two parts. Part I looks at international systems for implementation review, through which parties share information, review performance, handle noncompliance, and adjust commitments. Part II looks at implementation at the national level, with particular attention to participation by governmental and nongovernmental actors and to problems in states with economies in transition. The book includes fourteen case studies that cover eight major areas of international environmental regulation: conservation and preservation of fauna and flora, stratospheric ozone depletion, pollution in the Baltic Sea, pollution in the North Sea, trade in hazardous chemicals and pesticides, air pollution in Europe, whaling, and marine dumping of nuclear waste. ContributorsSteinar Andresen, Juan Carlos di Primio, Owen Greene, Ronnie Hjorth, Vladimir Kotov, John Lanchbery, Elena Nikitina, Kal Raustiala, Alexei Roginko, Jon Birger Skj�rseth, Eugene B. Skolnikoff, Olav Schram Stokke, David G. Victor, J�rgen Wettestad.Copublished with theInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis

International Environmental Agreements
International Environmental Agreements

Author: Steinar Andresen

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-03-12

Total Pages: 205

ISBN-13: 1136591907

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

International environmental agreements provide a practical basis for countries to address environmental issues on a global scale. This book explores the workings and outcomes of these agreements, and analyses key questions of why some problems are dealt with successfully and others ignored. By examining fundamental policies and issues in environmental protection this text gives an easily comprehensible introduction to international environmental agreements, and discusses problems in three areas: air, water and on land. It traces the history of agreements in broad thematic areas related to long-distance air pollution, ozone-depleting and greenhouse gases, ocean management, biological diversity, agricultural plant diversity and forest stewardship. Drawing on experts in their respective fields, this book provides an insightful evaluation of the successes and failures, and analysis of the reasons for this. Concluding with an insightful examination of research to show how performance of agreements can be improved in the future, this volume is a vital contribution to our understanding of the politics associated with establishing international environmental consensus. International Environmental Agreements will be of interest to scholars, students and researchers in global environmental politics, international relations and political science. Steinar Andresen is Senior Research Fellow at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway, and formerly professor at the Dept. of Political Science, University of Oslo. Elin Lerum Boasson is Research Fellow at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway. Geir Hønneland is Research Director at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute and adjunct professor at the University of Tromsø.

The Common But Differentiated Responsibility Principle in Multilateral Environmental Agreements
The Common But Differentiated Responsibility Principle in Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Author: Tuula Honkonen

Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.

Published: 2009-01-01

Total Pages: 434

ISBN-13: 9041131531

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Built in to every multilateral environmental agreement is a dilemma: how to incorporate justice and fairness on the one hand and effectiveness on the other. Our immense difficulty in meeting this two-edged imperative highlights the fact that we are, at best, at an early stage in the development of international environmental ethics, and that no coherent and effective ethical system yet exists in this context. This remarkable book starts from a conviction that the principle of common but differentiated responsibility (CBDR) offers the best way forward toward the much-desired goal of sustainable development. Presenting a full-scale, multidisciplinary assessment of the feasibility of the principle of CBDR in multilateral environmental agreements, encompassing legal and policy status perspectives as well as historical developments and future prospects, this study identifies issues and aspects in the theoretical and practical application of the CBDR principle. The author responds with in-depth knowledge and awareness to such specific questions as the following: What does the principle of common but differentiated responsibility entail in international environmental law, with special reference to international environmental treaties? How is the principle reflected in the burden-sharing design of current agreements? What problems and challenges does the practical application of the CBDR principle present to the international community and individual countries as well as to the international environmental regimes themselves? What factors should be taken into account when assessing the success or failure of the principle? What is the status of the principle in international environmental law (currently and possibly in the future), and what are its implications in the broader international context? The author examines methods for differentiation from both theoretical and actual treaty-level viewpoints. She offers examples from the negotiation history of international environmental treaties to shed light on the importance of information-sharing and wide participation during the negotiations. Recognizing that, in the international environmental field, problems of economic development and the geopolitics of global wealth distribution soon come to the fore, and that each stateand’s right to development should not be too heavily restricted under international environmental regimes, she demonstrates that the CBDR principle has a strong potential to formally integrate the environment and development at the international level. The study will be of immeasurable value in promoting understanding of how CBDR actually works. It will help lawyers and policymakers perceive how different parties want to use the principle, and to discern clearly what options could be chosen by the parties, which aspects are crucial, and what factors influence the effectiveness of the arrangements.

Non-Compliance Procedures and Mechanisms and the Effectiveness of International Environmental Agreements
Non-Compliance Procedures and Mechanisms and the Effectiveness of International Environmental Agreements

Author: Tullio Treves

Publisher: T.M.C. Asser Press

Published: 2009-04-02

Total Pages: 634

ISBN-13: 9789067042734

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Non-Compliance Procedures and Mechanisms and the Effectiveness of International Environmental Agreements Editors Tullio Treves, Laura Pineschi, Attila Tanzi, Cesare Pitea, Chiara Ragni, Francesca Romanin Jacur A project of the Universities of Milan, Bologna and Parma co-? nanced by the Italian Ministry of University and Research T. M. C. ASSER PRESS The Hague Foreword iv Published by T. M. C. ASSER PRESS P. O. Box 16163, 2500 BD The Hague, The Netherlands T. M. C. ASSER PRESS’ English language books are distributed exclusively by Cambridge University Press, The Edinburgh Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge CB2 2RU, UK, or, for customers in the USA, Canada and Mexico: Cambridge University Press, 100 Brook Hill Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994-2133, USA The publication of this book was supported by the ? nancial contribution of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) and of the Universities of Milano, Bologna and Parma, within the framework of a research project of national interest (PRIN 2005, n. 2005124407). ISBN 978-90-6704-273-4 All rights reserved. © 2009, T. M. C. Asser Press, The Hague, The Netherlands, and the Authors This publication is protected by international copyright law. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior wr- ten permission of the copyright owners.

The Environment and International Relations
The Environment and International Relations

Author: Kate O'Neill

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2009-01-22

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1139476181

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This exciting textbook introduces students to the ways in which the theories and tools of International Relations can be used to analyse and address global environmental problems. Kate O'Neill develops an historical and analytical framework for understanding global environmental issues, and identifies the main actors and their roles, allowing students to grasp the core theories and facts about global environmental governance. She examines how governments, international bodies, scientists, activists and corporations address global environmental problems including climate change, biodiversity loss, ozone depletion and trade in hazardous wastes. The book represents a new and innovative theoretical approach to this area, as well as integrating insights from different disciplines, thereby encouraging students to engage with the issues, to equip themselves with the knowledge they need, and to apply their own critical insights. This will be invaluable for students of environmental issues both from political science and environmental studies perspectives.

Environmental Diplomacy
Environmental Diplomacy

Author: Lawrence Susskind

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 0199397996

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"International environmental agreements have increased exponentially within the last five decades. However, decisions on policies to address key issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, ozone depletion, hazardous waste transport, and numerous other planetary challenges require individual countries to adhere to international norms. Environmental Diplomacy: Negotiating More Effective Global Agreements provides an accessible narrative on understanding the geopolitics of negotiating international environmental agreements and clear guidance on improving the current system. Authors Lawrence Susskind and Saleem Ali expertly observe international environmental negotiations to effectively inform the reader on the geopolitics of protecting our planet. This second edition offers an additional perspective from the Global South as well as providing a broader analysis of the role of science in environmental treaty-making. It provides a unique contribution as a panoramic analysis of the process of environmental treaty-making"--Unedited summary from book cover.

A World Environment Organization
A World Environment Organization

Author: Frank Biermann

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-03-02

Total Pages: 387

ISBN-13: 135196142X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In recent years, the debate on the establishment of a new international agency on environmental protection - a 'World Environment Organization' - has gained substantial momentum. Several countries, including France and Germany, as well as a number of leading experts and senior international civil servants have openly supported the creation of such a new international organization. However, a number of critics have also taken the floor and brought forward important objections. This book presents a balanced selection of articles of the leading participants in this debate, including both major supporters and opponents of creating a World Environment Organization. The volume is especially relevant to students and scholars of international relations, environmental policy and international law, as well as to practitioners of diplomacy, international negotiations, and environmental policy making.

Ensuring Compliance With Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Ensuring Compliance With Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Author: Ulrich Beyerlin

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 407

ISBN-13: 9004146172

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In this publication, a number of recognized practitioners and scholars undertake to explore the realities and the conceptual underpinnings of environmental compliance mechanisms. In a relatively short period of time, such mechanisms were introduced in a wide range of new and existing environmental regimes. Yet, little is known about their function in practice and their implications. This is puzzling when considering, that the new mechanisms considerably depart from traditional patterns of counteraction and dispute settlement. Instead they build on partnership and cooperation and include a wide range of possible reactions, which range from those having coercive power to supportive measures. Quite a number of those mechanisms and their functioning are explained in the publication in order to lay ground for some cross-cutting analysis, which covers inter alia reporting, inspection and monitoring, supportive financial incentives and the interrelationship between compliance mechanisms and the principle of state responsibility and dispute settlement. Finally the role of non-governmental organizations is addressed. Practitioners and scholars in international environmental affairs and international law more generally will benefit significantly from the inside views and thorough reflection as provided for in this book.

Voluntary Environmental Agreements
Voluntary Environmental Agreements

Author: Patrick ten Brink

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-08-25

Total Pages: 747

ISBN-13: 1351282263

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Voluntary environmental agreements (VEAs) – generally agreements between government and business – have been regarded by many as a key new instrument for meeting environmental objectives in a flexible manner. Their performance to date has, however, also led to considerable criticism, with several parties arguing that they are methods for avoiding real action that goes beyond "business-as-usual". Is either of these positions justified? The aim of this book is to highlight and learn the lessons from existing experience, looking not just at results but also at specific elements of agreements and also at the process of the agreement itself. Lessons are drawn from experience from across the world, covering the full range of environmental challenges, and from the perspective of key stakeholder groups. Importantly, the book also presents tools for assessing and improving existing agreements and includes recommendations and guidelines for future agreements in key areas such as climate change. It also deals at length with the problem of how such agreements might be used in developing and transitional economies. The overall view of the book is that there is a real potential for the future use of VEAs as part of the policy mix and as a tool for sharing the responsibility for meeting environmental objectives. For the agreements to play this role, however, significant steps are needed to ensure that they are effective, efficient, equitable and appropriately linked to a portfolio of other instruments. The book is divided into four sections. First, existing agreements, their development and efficacy are considered; second, the prospects for voluntary agreements in developing and transitional economies are discussed; third, a range of authors examine the role of VEAs as part of the policy mix to combat climate change; and, finally, the book concludes with an examination of how new tools for evaluating and improving VEAs could be utilized in the future. Voluntary Environmental Agreements will be of interest not only to academics, governments and businesses wishing to understand this specific instrument, but also to those already implementing or considering applying VEAs to meet their environmental objectives.