Berlin: Erich Schmidt Verlag Gmbh & Co. (2003); 126 pp., ISBN 3-503-07819-3. Table of Contents: Executive Summary (see download); I. Introduction; II. The Effects of Warfare on the Environment; III. Existing Law; IV. Strengthening the Law; V. Recommendations; Appendix. Excerpts from Relevant Conventions and Other International Instruments; Bibliography.

Abstract

While in times of peace a growing number of multilateral environmental agreements serves to protect the environment, existing international law affords only very limited protection against the threats of war to the environment. This is the finding of a study by Prof. Daniel Bodansky, University of Georgia, USA on behalf of the German Federal Environmental Agency (Umweltbundesamt) which reviews the adequacy of the law of war and of the general principles of international law to protect the environment. At present international law leaves nation states with a wide degree of discretion to justify environmental harm caused by acts of war.

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