Reflective Journal - Assignment Example

I can contribute to sustainable development by changing my lifestyle in meaningful ways. I can monitor my use of water so that I do not waste it or use it unnecessarily. I can also dispose of recyclable material properly and dispose of all waste appropriately. I can reduce my use of energy and fossil fuels with a view to reducing carbon emissions. When possible, I can also donate to charities for feeding the poor to reduce their reliance on the exploitation on marine life and other natural food sources.

Lecture 2: The three main points were: Sustainable development became a state obligation via the Rio Declaration of 1992; states’ obligation are contradicted by various UN Resolutions grants states sovereignty over their natural resources; and that climate changes now requires public participation via the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 1992. Tutorial 2: I contributed to answering the various questions raised in Tutorial 2. These questions related to the role of the UN in international environmental law, identifying the principles of environmental protection contained in the Rio Declaration of 1992, and various questions relative to the definition and legal nature of treaties and conventions.

I observed that there was a significant problem in the context of international environmental law. The various instruments were only binding on states and do not make provision for non-state actors. It can therefore be assumed that non-state actors’ effect on the environment are covered by national law. Alternatively, as a non-state actor, I can choose to take the initiative to responsibly use only environmentally friendly goods and ensure that my choices and behaviour do not contribute to a depletion of natural resources.

Lecture 3: Three main points are: As the earth’s resources are decreasing the world population is increasing; in the meantime, the world is experiencing climate change and carbon emissions from fossil fuels is the