Governments will meet in Copenhagen next year to begin the long process of formulating the next Kyoto protocol. But how will we make sure that countries abide by their promises?
One idea being explored is an international body similar to the international Court of Justice in The Hague. The idea being put forward in the Telegraph by Stephen Hockman QC, a former chairman of the Bar Council, is that a legal body should be set up to be the supreme authority on issues relating to environmental damage and climate change.
An important role which he foresees this body fulfilling is the influence of public opinion. He is quoted as saying:
“If there are bodies around that can give definitive legal rulings that are accepted as fair and reasonable that has its own impact on public opinion.”
Although the court would be able to hand down sanctions or fines, it is also hoped that it would be able to shame or embarrass countries or companies into taking the appropriate action..
Court decisions would push many smaller issues into the headlines; It may prove more difficult to sweep things under the carpet after the court has delivered its verdict.
In addition to regulation of carbon emissions, the court would also be able to enforce the implementation of other international environmental agreements and legislation. This would provide a valuable platform on which communities such as those affected by Chevron in Ecuador would be able to fight big business for their right to a healthy environment (for more read: New Photo Book Proves That Chevron Caused Ecuador’s “Amazon Chernobyl”)
It is suggested that the court be led by retired judges with a contingent of climate scientists and public figures. There would also be a scientific body in order to access evidence and present data on the environment.
Image credit: Billogs at Flickr under a Creative Commons license
This would be fantastic, particularly if it helps to provide common sense rulings on some the environmental lunacy of some governments and corporations..
The trick is, indeed, to formulate an organization that has enough clout to implement effective watchdog status. We already have a number of organizations which could take on this task. One of the problems is that they tend to become sounding boards for political posturing between nations. A non-political, but effective organization is a tall order, but essential if the job is to get done right.
This would be a great idea! Accountability…and a system in place to ensure it.
As a matter of fact, Copenhagen should end with a protocol that is signed by all (or no protocol at all), and those who do not abide by it, be brought to the International Court of Justice….charged with crime against humanity. I think it clearly becomes a case of ‘human’ rights.
While corporations and governments do have a tendency to act in their own self(ish) interest, they also understand the power of public relations – both to profits and reelection.
Having a forum whereby environmental violations could be brought up for all to see could have far reaching effects on their behavior.
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I saw that Casey Fronczek is offering fishing trips now down in south Florida. Does anybody have any input on these trips or has anyone been on one of these trips before?
I just got home from an amazing run in the gorgeouds sunshine outside on a chillaxious Friday and I was once again reminded of how beautiful and easy our lives are.
We spend so much time complaining and bickering about basically non-existent problems and sometimes we forget how awesome it is to be here. Sure, tragedies do exist (check out the drunk driving thread for some sad examples), but generally life is easy. If those young adults who were killed by drunk drivers were able to speak from the grave, the first thing they’d say is that life is short, so enjoy it. They really are proof of how short it can be.
Some personal examples of my life being beautifukl:
-Just spend a week in Canmore helping paint my friend’s million dollar home, while mountain biking, drinking, and getting free room and board. And I even got paid for it!
-Lost my wallet three times so far. Everytime it has been returned. One time I lost it in Edmonton with $70 cash inside, and when it was returned the cash was still in it! (minor miracle, especially in Edmonton!)
-Lost my passport in NZ while on a crazy adventurxe. Got my new passport in the mail the day before my flight back to Canada!
-The economy is finally starting to turn around. So far this week I’ve saved about $200 in travel expenses thanks to the rising Canadian dollar!
-Going to Spain in September for $116 thanks to cmyden and his amazingg travel deal!
-And we can all agree that the Flames getting Bouwmeester for nothing is something we as a group can celebrate! l9hvxn
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