Liability for Environmental Harm to the Global Commons

'As States and other actors increasingly undertake risky activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction, determining liability for environmental harm is sure to become an issue of central importance. This book, by three leading experts in international environmental law, makes important contributions to our understanding of the application of general principles of liability to the global commons and the emerging regime specific rules on liability. The authors' approach allows for a theoretically informed analysis and the generation of new insights into the current state and future trajectory of liability in international legal settings. This work will be a great interest to scholars, students and practitioners in the fields of international environmental law and law of the sea, as well as to international lawyers interested in state responsibility and the treatment of community interests in international law.' Timo Koivurova, Research Professor, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland 'This book deals with one of the most legally complex and under researched areas of international law and international environmental law: liability for environmental harm to the global commons. The book's theme is harm to Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) i.e., the Antarctic, the Deep Seabed and the High Seas. The book is the first in-depth publication to evaluate current rules and offer possible solutions for future legal developments. Each proposed approach to liability for harm to ABNJ is objectively assessed for its usefulness; legal and political challenges; and inherent limitations. This excellent book is highly recommended as the first publication which deals with these complex issues in their entirety and is characterised by meticulous research, both of theory and practice.' Malgosia Fitzmaurice, Professor of Public International Law, Queen Mary University of London 'This highly original work addresses a topic that has been calling out for close attention for a considerable time - how governments and other actors may be held liable for environmental harm in areas beyond national jurisdiction. At a time of compounding environmental crises, the book provides many insights on the strengths and limitations of turning to liability regimes to protect the global commons.' Tim Stephens, Professor of International Law, The University of Sydney Law School