Project Abstract

Environmental decision-making is a complex process that involves a multitude of stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, non-governmental organizations, and the public. The role of law in shaping these decisions is crucial, as it provides the framework within which environmental considerations are taken into account. This research project aims to explore the intersection of law and environmental decision-making, focusing on how legal frameworks influence the outcomes of environmental decisions. The project will begin by examining the various sources of environmental law, including international agreements, national legislation, and local regulations. By understanding the legal landscape in which environmental decisions are made, the project will be able to identify the key legal principles and standards that govern these decisions. This will provide a foundation for analyzing how different legal frameworks impact the decision-making process. One key aspect of the project will be to assess the role of public participation in environmental decision-making. Many legal frameworks require public input in the decision-making process, and the project will examine how this requirement is implemented in practice. By studying case studies of environmental decision-making processes, the project will evaluate the effectiveness of public participation mechanisms and identify best practices for involving the public in these decisions. Another important element of the research will be to investigate the role of scientific evidence in environmental decision-making. The project will explore how legal frameworks incorporate scientific data and expertise into the decision-making process, and assess the challenges and opportunities associated with using scientific evidence to inform environmental decisions. By examining how different legal frameworks treat scientific evidence, the project will identify ways to improve the integration of science into environmental decision-making. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role of law in environmental decision-making. By analyzing the legal frameworks that govern these decisions, studying the mechanisms for public participation, and exploring the use of scientific evidence, the project will provide insights into how legal systems can be optimized to promote more effective and sustainable environmental outcomes.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

This collection draws together a range of approaches to environmental legal issues, covering a broad spectrum from domestic to international law. The contributors investigate aspects of law’s influence in environmental decision-making and consider whether legal institutions and theory can respond adequately to the challenge of environmental change.

`it is a book which provides an example of the way forward – a positive step in the right direction for environmental law … a book that is wide-ranging in its scope but which at the same time offers some valuable discussion of the significant key issues which are raised in these assorted jurisdictions and varied legal areas … this book provides a valuable contribution to the progress towards a more mature approach to enviromental law, as well as a collection that sign posts the way for other environmental lawyers.’ Fiona Donson, Law Quarterly Review, Oct 1999