Global Climate Court Could Embarrass Governments into Taking Action on Climate Change
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..
