Ecological Integrity and Global Governance Science, ethics and the law

It is increasingly argued that a focus on environmental sustainability is fundamental to effective and equitable governance, and ultimately for the good of mankind. This book argues that, in the face increasing environmental challenges, it is essential to recognise the role that ecological integrity has played, and must play, in governance for environmental sustainability in order to ensure the future survival of life on earth. Ecological integrity encompasses not only the necessity of respect for nature, but also the human right to a sound and healthy environment. The author shows that on this basis, acceptance of its primacy in law and governance is key to a sustainable and equitable future for all. The book presents a uniquely informed treatise on the term, its origins, evolution and position in current debates, exploring the conflicts which have so far prevented its acceptance. Written by a leading scholar on the subject, this book provides the most in-depth exposition of ecological integrity available to increase understanding of this crucial concept and encourage its adoption in governance and international law.

Introduction 1. Ecological Integrity between Ethics and Law 2. Integrity in Conflict 2.1 Integrity in Conflict 2.2 Capitalism and Globalization in Conflict with the Integrity of Life- Support Systems 2.3 Biological/Ecological Integrity and Cosmopolitan Theory 2.4 International Law v. Cosmopolitanism: The Need for Global Governance 2.5 Concluding Thoughts and Plans for the Next Steps 3. Integrity against Racism in Conflict Situations and Migrations 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Disintegrity in Conflicts 3.3 Disintegrity and the Racist Roots of the Fight against Terrorism 3.4 Disintegrity and a Major Threat to Humanity 3.5 The Effects of Unlivable Environments: Forced Migrations, Displaced Persons and Desperate Asylum seekers 4. Air, Food and Water: Ecointegrity for the Survival of Present and Future Generations 4.1 Introduction 4.2 The Right to Food and Ecological Integrity 4.3 "Feeding the World Without GMOs?" 4.4 Water, Air, and Climate Change: Integrity and one Earth 4.5 From One Health to the Dynamic Processes of the Wild 4.6 Concluding Thoughts 5. Ecological Integrity as Basic Human Right and the Principle of the Common Heritage of Humankind 5.1 Introduction 5.2 A Possible Role for the Principle of the Common Heritage of Mankind 5.3 The Natural Heritage and the Travaux Preparatoire for the UNESCO World Heritage Convention 5.4 Possible Future Developments? 6. Ecologically Based Governance and the Future of Integrity 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Toward a Middle Path: An Attempt to Moderate and Control Ecosystem Harm 6.3 Global Ecological Governance and "the Law of the Commons" 6.4 Green Governance and "Nature’s Trust" 6.5 Other Proposals for Green Governance and Sustainability: Major Obstacles 7. The Integrity of the Earth: A Moral and Legal Imperative for Survival 7.1 Introduction: Laudato Si’, The June 18, 2015 Papal Encyclical 7.2 Overview of Positive Findings for Ecologically Based Governance 7.3 Review of Problems and Obstacles in the Best Strategies Reviewed 7.4 The Defense of Integrity and Ecological Governance 7.5 Ecological Integrity and the Common Heritage Principle Again 7.6 Concluding Thoughts

Laura Westra is professor emerita (philosophy), University of Windsor, Canada anda sessional instructor at the Faculty of Law, University of Milano (Bicocca), Italy.