The Compliance with International Environmental Law - Essay Example

Conventional legal systems are given effect through a clear system of legislation (which defines the obligation), interpretation (which provides the context of its application), and implementation (which compels the dutiful observance of it). Should the party be remiss in the fulfillment of his obligation then the law also provides the corresponding consequences for culpable disobedience. Within the scope of national law, there is no problem that the duty to protect and preserve the environment is palpable and the authority to enforce it unquestionably.

However, in the sphere of international law, a matter as crucial as maintaining the ability of the environment to sustain life for generations to come apparently meets with a well-meaning but inadequate response. Proposals to arm international environmental law with more teeth have been forwarded for almost half a century, and yet the more adamant environmentalists are dissatisfied that the results have been lackluster at best.“Environmental Law is a complex body of law made up of global, international, national, state, and local statutes, treaties, conventions, regulations, and policies which seek to protect the environment and natural resources affected, impacted, or endangered by human activities.

” The predominant legal method for addressing legal problems that go beyond national boundaries is through the promulgation of international environmental agreements. For the greater part, environmental problems are localized but may involve two or three countries sharing the boundary where the environmental problem happens to transgress. Occasionally, but it appears with increasing frequency, the environmental problems are becoming progressively global. Thus, the evolution of environmental law proceeds from the localized bilateral treaties and agreements to the present regime that includes multilateral agreements, international conventions, and protocols.

To date, there are hundreds of such regulations, treaties, agreements, and scores of conventions and protocols, but there is no organized code, legislation, or system of international environmental laws.