<
https://theconversation.com/a-new-ruling-says-countries-including-nz-must-take-action-on-climate-change-under-the-law-of-the-sea-230420>
"In a significant development for small island nations threatened by rising
seas, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has found
greenhouse gases constitute marine pollution.
The tribunal handed down a unanimous advisory opinion this week in its first
climate-related judgement. It declared countries must take measures to combat
climate change in order to preserve the marine environment under the law of the
sea.
The ruling responds to a request from the Commission of Small Island States on
Climate Change and International Law (COSIS). The commission sought to clarify
whether obligations to prevent pollution and protect the marine environment
under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) apply to
climate change and ocean acidification.
The tribunal’s answer was an emphatic yes. This means countries, including New
Zealand, must now address climate change under both the law of the sea and
international climate agreements.
This represents a significant step forward under international law. It
clarifies that nation states have obligations beyond the current climate change
regime to cut emissions and to take adaptation measures."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
