Recent Developments in International Climate Change Law

International Community Law Review, vol. 23, pp. 294–309

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses recent developments in international climate change law, in respect of which Pacific island countries and territories (PICs) have made a particularly significant contribution. PICs have been instrumental in shaping the international climate change treaty regime since its inception in the early 1990s. Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, however, progress has stalled – and even more so since the global pandemic. With a focus on the Suva Declaration on Climate Change released prior to negotiations in Paris, this article assesses progress in two areas that have received considerable attention from PIC representatives due to their importance to the region: the long-term temperature goal and the Talanoa Dialogue; and the issue of loss and damage. While PICs have managed to make gains in both areas, climate change science indicates that current global efforts are insufficient to avoid catastrophic climate change impacts for the Pacific region. In light of this, certain PIC leaders are looking outside of the international treaty system for other ways to protect their communities and ecosystems.

Authors 2

1. Sarah Mead Aachen Assistant Professor Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies

   Leiden University · University of the South Pacific

   Affiliation as printed

   Legal Associate at the Climate Litigation Network, Urgenda Foundation Amsterdam The Netherlands

   Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji

   Assistant Professor, Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

   Legal Associate at the Climate Litigation Network, Urgenda Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

2. Margaretha Wewerinke‐Singh Aachen Assistant Professor Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies

   Leiden University · University of the South Pacific

   Affiliation as printed

   Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific Suva Fiji

   Assistant Professor, Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands

   Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji

   Assistant Professor, Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

   Legal Associate at the Climate Litigation Network, Urgenda Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands