International environmental and climate change law

Question 1

What principle is this? “States have, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental policies, and the responibi1ity to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.”

Answer 1

Principle 21 of the Stockholm Declaration (also affirmed in Principle 2 of the Rio Declaration)

Question 2

Where is permanent sovereignty over natural resources enshrined?

Answer 2

1962 General Assembly Resolution

Question 3

What is CBDR

Answer 3

Common but differentiated responsibility - Principle 7 Rio Declaration. “States shall cooperate in a spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the Earth’s ecosystem. In view of the different contributions to global environmental degradation. States have common but differentiated responsibilities.

Question 4

What are the four elements of CBDR

Answer 4

1. States shall co-operate
2. Different contributions to environmental degradation
3. Common but differentiated responsibilities
4. Developed countries acknowledge their responsibility to pursue sustainable development.

Question 5

What is the UNFCCC?

Answer 5

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Question 6

What principle is this? “A treaty shall be interpreted in good faith in accordance with the ordinary meaning to be given to the terms of the treaty in their context and in the light of its object and purpose.”

Answer 6

Article 31(3)(c) Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties