Climate Change and International Law

Abstract

Abstract This chapter explores the key features of the broader legal landscape upon which international climate change law is anchored. It begins with a brief overview of the processes through which international legal norms are developed — the ‘sources’ of international law. The chapter then surveys the evolution of the main rules and principles of international environmental law relevant to climate change, as well as the scope and limitations of the rules and principles that apply between states. In considering the core rules of international environmental law, the chapter also canvasses the salient features and constraints of the law of state responsibility and touches upon the main dispute settlement forums available to states. Finally, the chapter traces the emergence of newer norms.