Reflections on a decade of change in international environmental law

Aug 1, 2023

This article examines the profound ways in which international environmental law has evolved over the last decade in response to a shifting geopolitical context, as well as a better understanding of the possibilities and limits of global regulation to address complex, polycentric and intractable environmental harms. It identifies as emerging trends in the field the maturation of the customary norms and fundamental principles of international environmental law, in addition to changes in its modes of implementation and the actors involved in those processes. This article also highlights the increasing activity at the interface with other fields of law and policy that has expanded the sites at which international environmental law is made, applied and implemented. It concludes by asking whether this body of international law remains ‘fit for purpose’ as it seeks to adapt to constraints on its nature and operation imposed by the current architecture of international law and politics.

Return to publications listing

Publication details

Theme(s)
The meaning of net zero

Type(s)
Research paper

Author(s)
Rajamani, Lavanya

Year(s)
2021

Visit link

DOI

Cambridge International Law Journal

Latest news

Oxford Net Zero launches new Serviced Emissions Hub to drive accountability in professional services

Oct 31, 2025

By Siddharth Shekhar Yadav, Alexis McGivern and Clarissa Salmon. In mid-October, Oxford Net Zero officially launched the Serviced Emissions Hub – a new cross-sector platform bringing together leaders from law, consulting and ... Read more

Oxford Net Zero and VietJet announce Net Zero Aviation project

Oct 31, 2025

Last week the University of Oxford signed major agreements with Vietnam on climate innovation, healthcare and access to higher education. At the ceremony, Professor Myles Allen of Oxford Net Zero and Madame Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Founder ... Read more

Oxford Net Zero and Futerra launch new “Spheres of Influence” white paper at Climate Week NYC

Sep 25, 2025

Yesterday at Climate Week NYC, Oxford Net Zero and the sustainability agency Futerra launched a white paper on the Spheres of Influence – a new framework for incentivising corporate climate action. The framework provides a way to understand ... Read more

See more news and events