International Legal Problems of the Climate Change Effects on the Environment (on the Examples of Biological Diversity Degradation and Chemicals and Waste Management)

Abstract

Climate change is an existential threat to humanity: scientific data shows that every year the average temperature on Earth is getting higher and higher. Within the framework of international law, a set of measures is being taken to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Given the comprehensive nature of climate change impacts on the environment, detailed legal measures are required in various areas of international cooperation. In this study the authors examined the complexities of legal regulation in two areas of climate change impacts: management of chemicals and waste, as well as preservation of biological diversity and genetic resources. The conducted study identified achievements and problems of international legal regulation in these areas and also showed that for the purposes of synergy of international treaties in the studied areas various decisions are made at periodic conferences of the parties to these international treaties.