In this chapter we consider how the different ethical approaches (adversarial advocacy, responsible lawyering, moral activism and ethics of care) are informing lawyers’ actions on behalf of the planet. Of course, many lawyers will draw from several ethical approaches in their work. Likewise, all four approaches can support efforts at law reform, which we discuss later in the chapter.As the law evolves to better address the dangers of climate change and environmental degradation, the advice lawyers give clients will change. Eventually, we surmise (and hope), lawyers will be advising even recalcitrant clients that to act legally they must act in ways that do not harm the environment. Until such time, a lawyer’s ethical approach will influence their advice and their daily legal practice. Lawyers can draw on the strengths of several or all of the ethical approaches discussed to empower them to step up to the task ahead. We cannot avoid this task.

This chapter introduces the concepts available to evaluate the social and environmental externalities of business. At the overarching level of the planet, there is the concept of sustainable development, with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the company level, a number of concepts or frameworks translate the requirements of sustainable development to the company level, chiefly among them the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). We proceed to examine why companies should engage in CSR. In some cases, there are economic benefits to be gained from social and environmental initiatives – the business case for CSR; in other cases, companies respond to societal pressure, in line with their licence to operate. Last but not least, we engage with the critique that the shareholder-owned corporation is at the heart of much unsustainable behaviour. This leads to the question of what novel organizational forms for sustainability there are, such as social enterprises.

The Stockholm Conference is remembered for sparking the development of modern international environmental law. It would have been fortunate if it were also remembered for sparking the reform of international economic law. This chapter illustrates that, on account of the international economic system, which is engrained in international economic law, developing states continue to face many of the challenges they brought to the table in 1972.

Sustainable development is a key concept in international politics that in a remarkably short period of time has also become firmly established in international law. Various multilateral conferences have been instrumental in this process – most notably, the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment and the 1992 Rio Conference on Environment and Development. While the 1972 Stockholm Declaration did not yet employ the very term of sustainable development, the idea of balancing environmental conservation and human development served no doubt as a central theme at the conference and in its outcome documents. In 1987, the Brundtland Commission introduced sustainable development as the key concept for this balancing act into world politics. Subsequently, sustainable development became anchored in various sources of international law, particularly normative UN resolutions, treaties, and judicial decisions, even to such an extent that the contours of an overarching international sustainable development law can be identified. However, its cradle remains in Stockholm in 1972.

Chapter 6 proposes how the three categories of the voiceless can be better protected in the Anthropocene era. Drawing on promising recent developments integrating the categories of the voiceless, the chapter proposes a unified approach that draws on the mandate of sustainable development to limit climate change impacts on all three categories of the voiceless. It includes an extensive discussion of the recent landmark climate change advisory opinions from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and International Court of Justice as additional support for the proposal. The chapter concludes with interviews with two of the leading environmental lawyers in the world – Tony Oposa from the Philippines and Hugo Echeverria from Ecuador – for their perspectives on recent developments in the protection of future generations and the protection of rights of nature and wildlife, respectively, and a discussion of the challenges and opportunities as the law evolves toward a more ecocentric focus.

In recent years, and especially, after the pandemic, policymakers in Latin America and the Caribbean have become increasingly interested in promoting the principles of the circular economy as a core component of the region’s sustainable development. Under the banner of sustainability, the national and regional markets for circular economy items have grown and consumer preference for them has been attracted. However, the debate on the impact of IPRs on the upcycling of goods, which could be protected by an IPRs system, is still very young. This chapter examines whether IP laws interfere with the production and distribution of goods by analyzing national and regional regulations in selected countries in the region, where there is growing interest in circular economy products. In addition, an analysis of the legal defences available within the IP system for the relevant stakeholders will also be undertaken. In particular, the IP systems concerning trademarks, industrial designs, and copyright will be discussed. Finally, the chapter examines whether creating distinctive signs specific to the goods produced under these practices exist and whether this seems desirable.

This chapter explores the relationship between international trade and sustainable development, with a particular focus on climate change. It traces the evolution of the multilateral trading system from its origins in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to the present day, highlighting the shift from a focus on trade liberalisation to a broader commitment to sustainable development. The chapter examines how the World Trade Organization has grappled with integrating environmental concerns into its framework, including the development of ‘greening’ jurisprudence, institutions, and rules. It proposes a reform agenda to further align the trading system with global sustainability goals, emphasising the need for alignment with climate change commitments, harmonised sustainability standards, reformed subsidy approaches, governance and institutional reforms, and a focus on equity and justice.

This chapter examines the relationship between trade and sustainable development, including its developmental dimension. It argues that trade policy and international trade institutions must be integrated into broader international efforts to promote sustainable development. This requires an end to the siloed treatment of trade and other policy areas. It also requires a more holistic approach to international law-making, including greater cooperation among international organisations and a willingness to make trade-offs between competing goals. Finally, it requires a recognition of the different preferences of rich and poor countries and a willingness to address the power imbalances that exist in the global trading system.

Islamic environmental law presents a comprehensive approach to ecological preservation, grounded in religious principles and ethical responsibilities. This research explores the Islamic legal framework for environmental protection, positioning humans as stewards (khalifa) of nature rather than absolute owners. The study illuminates how Islamic jurisprudence integrates environmental conservation into a holistic system of social and spiritual responsibility. The research examines key institutional mechanisms within Islamic law for environmental management, including land reclamation (Ihia’ Al-Arad Al-Mawat), natural reserves (Al-Hima), protective zones (Al-Harim), and charitable endowments (Al-Waqf). Central to this approach is the principle of prioritizing collective welfare over individual interests, with a strong emphasis on preventing environmental harm and promoting sustainable development. The paper critically analyzes the potential for implementing Islamic environmental principles in contemporary legal frameworks, particularly in Muslim-majority countries. It advocates for a renewed environmental governance model that synthesizes religious ethics, scientific understanding, and proactive institutional strategies to address ecological challenges.

In a world grappling with pressing environmental challenges, the intersection of Islamic epistemologies and sustainable development models offers a unique perspective. This chapter book delves into Islamic perspectives on environmental ethics and sustainability, exploring the theological foundations, ethical principles, and practical implications of stewardship and trust in Islam. Drawing upon Quranic teachings and scholarly insights, it examines humanity’s role as stewards of the Earth, emphasizing responsible resource management, moderation, and justice. Rooted in concepts of Khilafah (stewardship) and Amanah (trust), Islamic environmental ethics highlight the ethical obligation to ensure sustainable resource use and protect the environment for future generations. Additionally, the concepts of moderation and justice, known as "Al-Wasatiyyah," offer guidance for achieving balance, equity, and harmony in all aspects of life, including environmental conservation. Through case studies and examples, this chapter book demonstrates how Islamic principles can inform environmental decision-making processes and contribute to holistic, sustainable development efforts. By integrating spiritual dimensions into environmental conservation practices, it advocates for a more comprehensive approach to addressing contemporary environmental challenges, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.

Islamic legal scholarship is split on the permissibility of corporate personhood. While some scholars advocate unequivocal permissibility, others are critical because Islamic law prohibits limited liability in most contracts. The religion also regards the human being as the only subject of Divine command. Despite their differences, most jurists agree that the corporate form is an effective tool to mobilize large amounts of capital. However, only one scholar, Ahmad Ali Abdullah addresses the exploitative impact corporations have on human rights and the environment. In this context, I argue that we should address the issue of corporate personhood from a maqasid framework. The preservation and protection of wealth is a legitimate purpose of Islamic law. However, the preservation and protection of life is a higher purpose in the hierarchy. The preservation of life is directly linked to the preservation of the earth. While recognizing the corporate form’s utility, I advocate creating alternative business models that lead to more sustainable development.