Environmental sustainability, Law & Policy – At Crossroads or Cold Wars between Leaders and Change makers ?

Description

Environmental Sustainability Law & Policy – At Crossroads or Cold Wars Between Leaders and Change Makers?” is an incisive exploration of the complex intersection between law, policy, and the fight for global environmental sustainability. The book offers a critical analysis of the power dynamics that shape the future of environmental governance, focusing on the growing tensions between political leaders, who often prioritize economic growth, and change-makers, including grassroots activists, NGOs, and civil society, who demand more radical solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.
At the heart of the book lies a central question: Are we at a crossroads where meaningful international collaboration can be achieved to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and ensure environmental justice, or are we witnessing a cold war standoff between powerful leaders and global change-makers, each with competing visions for the future of the planet? The book examines how environmental law and policy have evolved in response to global crises, evaluating whether current frameworks are effective in tackling the scale of the environmental challenges we face. The book critically assesses the role of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), such as the Paris Agreement, and national policies like India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). While these agreements mark important steps toward a global response to climate change, the book argues that they are often weakened by lack of enforceability, disjointed commitments, and the North-South divide in global negotiations. These flaws expose the limitations of traditional international law in driving real, systemic change. The fragmentation of global environmental governance, driven by unequal power dynamics and competing national interests, is a key theme explored throughout the book.
Simultaneously, the book shines a spotlight on the growing influence of change-makers, from local activists to international NGOs, who are increasingly shaping the course of environmental law. The rise of climate litigation is a prime example of how non-state actors are holding governments and corporations accountable for their role in environmental harm. The book explores how these change-makers are challenging entrenched power structures and pushing for legal reforms that address climate justice, social equity, and the right to a healthy environment.
In addition to the critical analysis of current global frameworks, the book looks forward to the future of international environmental law. It advocates for collaborative legal solutions that bridge divides, focusing on stronger enforcement mechanisms, more inclusive participation, and a deeper commitment to sustainable development. The author argues that the future of environmental law hinges on the ability of leaders and change-makers to set aside their differences and work together toward a common goal: a sustainable, just, and equitable world for all.
“Environmental Sustainability Law & Policy” is essential reading for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and environmental advocates interested in understanding the role of law in shaping global sustainability efforts. With its in-depth analysis of key environmental challenges, its examination of international legal frameworks and its call for greater collaboration and reform, this book provides valuable insights into the complex and rapidly evolving field of environmental governance. It invites readers to consider how legal tools can be leveraged to address the urgent environmental crises of the 21st century, urging both leaders and change-makers to act decisively and collaboratively in the face of growing ecological threats.