The book
addresses the question of whether the currently available instruments of
international environmental and international humanitarian law are applicable
to climate conflicts. It clarifies the different pathways leading from climate
change to conflict and offers an analysis of international environmental law
embedded within the international doctrine of state responsibility. It goes on
to discuss whether climate change amounts to an issue covered by Art. 2.4 UN
Charter – the prohibition of the use of force. It then considers the possible
application of international humanitarian law to climate conflicts. The book
also offers a definition of the term “climate conflict”, drawing on legal as
well as peace and conflict studies.