This book focuses on the impact and design of international environmental regimes which are established to preserve natural resources and reduce environmental degradation. The author addresses such regimes from both a conceptual and theoretical point of view as well as using comparative empirical evidence from issue areas such as marine pollution, acid rain, ozone layer depletion and global climate change. He examines specifically a number of controversial institutional issues in international environmental politics. Should, for instance, access to decision-processes be inclusive or exclusive in terms of non-governmental watchdogs? Similar choices and dilemmas exist with regard to decision-making rules, the role of the secretariat, the structuring of the agenda, the organization of the science-politics interface, and the design of verification and compliance mechanisms. Hence, he addresses real dilemmas faced by negotiators, in order to help formulate policies for achieving the most effective organization of international environmental institutions.

This book will be welcomed by students and scholars interested in environmental political economy and institutions, and policymakers and practitioners involved in the negotiation process.