Professor Dan Bodansky
I call international environmental law a ‘30% solution’—it’s not the most important factor in addressing problems like climate change. Politics, science, economics, and social attitudes all play crucial roles. Law can contribute, but it’s just one piece.
In this ClimateGenn episode I am speaking with the Regent’s Professor at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Dan Bodansky, about the second edition of his book ‘The Art and Craft of International Law’.
Dan is a recognised expert having worked on a range of negotiations across the decades including being part of the US negotiating team at the UNFCCC in the 1990’s. Dan’s talks through how International Environmental Law has evolved with state and non-state actors–including how civil society plays a role in creating momentum that can translate into societal norms that lead to international agreements.
All of this is set against the rogue nature of the current US administration and the drastically reduced operating space in which we have to preserve a liveable climate.
Link to buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Craft-International-Environmental-Law/dp/019767237X
Professor Dan Bodansky
International environmental law lacks strong enforcement mechanisms, but it works through norms that penetrate society. These norms influence behaviour either through internal moral compasses or external pressure when violating what’s widely seen as appropriate conduct.
In the next episode I am speaking with Professor Jennifer Francis from the Woods Hole Research Centre, for an update on record Sea Ice loss in the Arctic and the myriad impacts this has on so many other parts of the global climate system.
I will also be speaking with Zita Sebesvari, Deputy director of the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). Zita is the lead author on a new Interconnected Disaster Risks report.
There are many more episodes in the pipeline. Thanks to all subscribers. Please do send feedback or like and share, or become a member on Youtube or Patreon to support the channel. Thank you.