Essay On Global Environmental Protection

Resource Description

Hand-in Assessment task

To what extent are legal and non-legal responses effective at achieving global environmental protection?

Legal and non-legal responses are somewhat effective in achieving global environmental protection (GEP), however are significantly hindered by a nation’s right to state sovereignty. GEP refers to any measures taken to conserve, maintain or preserve the environment to combat the far-reaching global impacts of environmental degradation. As such, a global response is needed to achieve GEP. Treaties attempt to ensure state cooperation, but are somewhat limited by state sovereignty and lack of enforceability. Similarly, the ICJ aims to resolve disputes regarding GEP, but is largely ineffective as its decisions lack enforceability due to state sovereignty. Furthermore, NGOs are considerably effective in achieving GEP through public awareness and direct disaster responses, but are hindered by their inability to directly influence climate policy. As such, legal and non-legal responses are somewhat effective in achieving GEP, but remain crucial to the global response to environmental degradation.