Regional legal action to environmental problems has become increasingly important for national and international approaches. This important new study provides profound discussions of the state of affairs of regional approaches across the world and points at many remaining challenges regarding not only regulatory approaches, particularly in the field of transboundary waters and climate change, but also human rights instruments. It should be required reading by all interested in the further development of environmental law from a sustainable development perspective.'
- Marjan Peeters, University of Maastricht, the NetherlandsThis perceptive work presents a unique comparative legal analysis, ascertaining how regional environmental law can contribute to the prevailing pursuit of global sustainable development. The book provides an introduction to and analysis of the environmental law adhered to by each regional organization in an accessible and discerning discussion.

Regional Environmental Law analyzes the manner in which four distinct regional organizations the European Union (EU), Organization of American States (OAS), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the African Union (AU) facilitate cooperation concerning regional environmental law in order to promote sustainable development. The fundamental environmental issues that require regional cooperation are considered: human rights and the environment, climate change and shared watercourses. Leading scholars critically analyze how states may pool sovereignty, pursuant to finding solutions to these salient environmental problems. The book puts forward conclusive thoughts about how to work towards the sustainable development agenda through both specific regional action and collaborative efforts.

Researchers and students interested in international and environmental law will benefit from the comparative analysis of the respective regional organisations and their contribution to the sustainable development commitment. Practitioners and policy makers will find practical insight from the conclusions drawn.

Contributors: M. Barnard, L. Bhullar, B. Boer, J.T. Calasans, J. de Cendra de Larragán, C.S. de Windt, B. Garcia, K. Kheng-Lian, L. Krämer, W.D. Lubbe, O. McIntyre, A. Meijknecht, M.A. Orellana, D.M. Pallangyo, W. Scholtz, H. Strydom, J. Verschuuren