International Environmental Law Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the history, principles, major legal cases, and international frameworks of International Environmental Law based on the lecture transcript.

Environment (Iron Rhine Arbitration Definition)

Broadly referred to as including air, water, land, flora and fauna, natural ecosystems and sites, human health and safety, and climate.

Sustainable Development (Gabćikovo-Nagymaros Project)

The need to reconcile economic development with protection of the environment.

International Law Corpus on Environment

The general obligation of States to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction and control respect the environment of other States or of areas beyond national control.

First Period of Environmental Law (up to 1945)

Characterized by increasing attention to the preservation of natural resources, including both flora and fauna.

Second Period of Environmental Law (1945-1972)

A sectorial approach to environmental protection, often responding to specific incidents, where the environment was seen as a means to foster individual State economic interests.

Third Period of Environmental Law (1972-1992)

Development of an institutional framework addressing environmental issues as a means to foster the economic interests of the international community.

Fourth Period of Environmental Law (from 1992 onward)

The environment is viewed as an autonomous and overarching interest of the international community, using an ecosystem approach integrated into all areas of activity.

Anthropocene

A new geological epoch starting roughly in 1750 where human activity impacts the Earth’s systems in ways similar to natural phenomena like meteorite collisions.

Torrey Canyon Incident (18 March 1967)

A Liberian-flagged oil tanker strike off the English coast that led to the adoption of MARPOL 1973/1978 and the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment.

MARPOL 1973/1978

The International Convention for the Prevention of Oil Pollution from Ships.

Operational Pollution

Pollution that is incidental to a production process or a specific activity.

Best Available Technology (BAT)

Measures indicating the technology or substances that are best used in certain production processes.

Best Environmental Practices (BEP)

Measures addressing how certain activities are best carried out, such as changing agricultural practices to reduce pesticide use.

1972 Stockholm Conference

The first-ever UN conference with "environment" in the title; it provided the first global set of principles for environmental cooperation and led to the establishment of UNEP.

Principle 21 of the Stockholm Declaration

States have the sovereign right to exploit their own resources but also the responsibility to ensure activities within their jurisdiction do not cause damage to other States or areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Additionality

A concept in development assistance (Stockholm Principle 12) where donors earmark additional funds for environmental protection measures.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Established as a center of leadership for international environmental matters, focusing on knowledge acquisition, environmental quality management, and international supporting actions.

CITES (1973)

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Montevideo Programme (1981)

The Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law under the auspices of UNEP.

1992 Rio Conference (UNCED)

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development aimed at setting a course for sustainable development by giving equal weight to environmental conservation and socio-economic development.

Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)

Rio Principle 7, acknowledging that while all States must cooperate to protect the Earth's ecosystem, developed countries bear a greater responsibility due to their historical pressures and resources.

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Eight goals adopted in 2000 to uphold human dignity, equality, and equity, including ensuring environmental sustainability.

Rio+20 Declaration

The 2012 document titled "The Future We Want," renewing commitment to sustainable development and restoring the health of the Earth's ecosystem.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A set of 17 global goals including No Poverty, Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Life on Land.