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Sustainability & Green Policies

Sustainability & Green Policies: The Role of Law in Environmental Protection

As climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation become increasingly urgent global challenges, law and policy play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and green governance. Legal frameworks at national, regional, and international levels are essential in driving environmental protection, regulating corporate responsibility, and ensuring that economic growth aligns with ecological preservation.

International agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and transitioning toward a circular economy. However, enforcement mechanisms and legal accountability remain key challenges. Questions arise regarding state responsibility, corporate liability, and the role of international courts in addressing environmental harm.

Moreover, the legal landscape surrounding climate justice, environmental human rights, and sustainable developmentcontinues to evolve. Issues such as climate-induced displacement, greenwashing in corporate sectors, and the regulation of new energy sources require legal scrutiny and policy innovation.

The ALF serves as a platform for discussions on legal advancements in sustainability, environmental protection, and green policies. We welcome contributions analyzing legislative changes, case law, regulatory challenges, and innovative legal solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Blogs

  • PFAS: Persistent Forever, Accountability Strengthened

    By Michaela Camia

    Concerns about the harmful effects of Teflon and other PFAS-containing products are growing worldwide. The blog 'PFAS: Persistent Forever, Accountability Strengthened' delves into the issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistent presence in the environment.

    The blog explores the increasing concerns over PFAS, highlighting their inadequate regulation and the potential consequences for public health and the environment. It also examines the legal challenges surrounding these chemicals and their widespread impact.

    Curious to learn more? Read the entire blog to discover the far-reaching effects of PFAS and the legal battles that continue to unfold.

  • Appeal of Milieudefensie v Shell, shifted duty of care and future litigation

    By Piotr Pukowski

    The author of this blog provides a short overview of the Judgment of Shell v Milieudefensie case in the Court of Appeal of the Hague. The Court found that scope 3 emissions cannot be attributed to companies such as Shell due to a lack of any ‘law’ that would force or incentivise companies to lower their scope 3 emissions. This shows a shift of climate change burden, from companies to states.

    If you're curious to learn more about this topic, read the full blog for a deeper dive into the Shell v Milieudefensie judgment and its implications for corporate climate responsibility.

    Keywords: Court, Climate, Corporation, Litigation, Appeal, Legislation

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