Climate Conflicts - A Case of International Environmental and Humanitarian Law

The book addresses the question of whether the currently available instruments of international environmental and international humanitarian law are applicable to climate conflicts. It clarifies the different pathways leading from climate change to conflict and offers an analysis of international environmental law embedded within the international doctrine of state responsibility. It goes on to discuss whether climate change amounts to an issue covered by Art. 2.4 UN Charter – the prohibition of the use of force. It then considers the possible application of international humanitarian law to climate conflicts. The book also offers a definition of the term “climate conflict”, drawing on legal as well as peace and conflict studies.

1. Introduction.- 2. Climate Conflicts – The Pathways.- 3. State Responsibility.- 4. Climate Conflicts and International Environmental Law.- 5. Legal Consequences.- 6. Climate Change and The Use of Force.- 7. Climate Conflicts and International Humanitarian Law.- 8. Definition of Climate Conflicts.- 9. Conclusion.