International Development Law Organization

Climate Justice

Natural resources form the core of many economies around the world, providing a source of livelihood for millions of people. But the disproportionate rise in demand for these resources is raising questions about the sustainability of investments in this sector. As the commitment to a low-carbon future grows amid concerns over climate change, IDLO believes that the rule of law can facilitate efforts to tackle such grave problems with the help of robust legal frameworks. Climate change has a polarizing effect, aggravating inequalities and reducing access to justice for those most at risk.

IDLO has been exploring how legal reform can encourage sustainable investment in the energy sector and promote climate justice. IDLO's guidebook on The Role of Legal Instruments to Support Green, Low-Emission and Climate-Resilient Development, produced in partnership with United Nations agencies, provides step-by-step assistance to governments in assessing, selecting and implementing legal instruments to deliver these goals.

Climate and Conflict in the Sahel: a Rule of Law Perspective

In fragile contexts, the immediate impacts of climate change on precipitation and temperatures risk to combine with political and social tensions exacerbating destructive competition over scarce natural resources.

This is tragically evident in Africa’s semi-arid Sahel region, where recurrent droughts, population growth and weak governance ​are increasing pressure on land and water

UNFCCC COP18: Increased Support Needed for Climate Change Law and Policy Reform

DOHA, 29 November 2012 - As the 18th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meets in Doha to move the international climate change agenda forward, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) urges increased recognition of the vital role national legal and policy frameworks play in enabling effective climate change response. 

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Key Initiatives

  • Climate change is threatening to reverse Kenya’s progress on poverty reduction and exacerbate economic and social inequality. In order to build resilience and outline a low-carbon approach to development, IDLO has assisted the Kenyan Government in drafting a comprehensive National Climate Change Action Plan 2013-2017. This technical assistance included compiling a Legal Preparedness Assessment Report and establishing a Climate Law Working Group, made up of law students from Kenya’s leading universities.
  • In 2011, IDLO and IFAD began assessing Mexico’s climate regulations at the federal and state level. The aim was to enhance local capacity to stimulate climate-positive reform and development. With the world’s first Legal Preparedness for Climate Change Assessment Report (L-PAR), IDLO comprehensively analyzed existing and potential laws and regulations on climate change, and identified gaps and innovations.
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