International Environmental Law, Policy and Ethics

Why the environment is protected in the international arena is the topic of this book. This question is rarely asked as it is assumed we all aim to achieve the same ends. This study shows how nations are creating environmental laws and policies that are inconsistent and contradictory.

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The concern of this book is the question of why the environment is protected in the international arena. This question is rarely asked because it is assumed we all want to achieve the same ends. However, in this study of international environmental ethics, Alexander Gillespie explodes this myth. He shows how nations, like individuals, are creating environmental laws and policies which are continually inviting failure since such laws are riddled with inconsistencies and are ultimately contradictory in purpose. Specifically, he seeks a nexus between the reasons why nations protect the environment, how these reasons are reflected in law and policy, and what complications arise from these choices.