Paper Details

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, necessitating a reevaluation of existing legal frameworks that govern environmental protection and climate governance. This paper explores the inadequacies of current international and national legal instruments, highlighting their failure to enforce meaningful emissions reductions and ensure accountability for corporate actors. Despite significant agreements like the Paris Agreement, many commitments are voluntary and lack the robust enforcement mechanisms needed to drive real change. Additionally, the fragmentation of national laws often leads to inconsistencies in implementation and enforcement, leaving vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, this study analyzes successful case studies from various jurisdictions, such as New Zealand's Zero Carbon Act and the Urgenda Foundation v. State of the Netherlands, to identify innovative legal mechanisms that can be adopted globally. The paper emphasizes the importance of integrating principles of climate justice and the rights of nature into legal frameworks to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and considered in climate governance. The research further discusses the potential for specialized climate courts and improved corporate accountability measures to enhance the effectiveness of climate action. Ultimately, the findings suggest that significant reforms are necessary to transition from a system of voluntary commitments to one that enforces binding legal obligations on nations and corporations. This includes advocating for stronger international cooperation, expanding carbon pricing mechanisms, and establishing comprehensive frameworks that address the interconnected challenges of climate change, human rights, and sustainable development. By embracing innovative legal approaches, policymakers can create more effective governance structures capable of addressing the urgent and complex nature of climate change, paving the way for a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Climate Change, Legal Frameworks, Corporate Accountability, Climate Justice, International Cooperation