Project R-3655

Evolutions in the principles of free consent and state responsibility in international climate law (Research)

Our climate is under serious and growing pressure. Unambiguous evidence shows that our climate is changing and that the global average temperature is rising. This is mainly caused by the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). To reduce the GHG emissions the international community adopted in 1992 the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and in 1997 the Kyoto Protocol. However, the three countries with the highest GHG emissions (China, the US and India) have no emission reduction obligations. The goal of the research project is then to see whether (parts of) the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol have become customary rules of international law and have become binding upon third states. Furthermore, it analyses how states could be held responsible for climate change damages.

01 January 2012 - 31 December 2015