Climate Change
167 Articles
Legal and Practical Implications of the U.S. Withdrawal from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change
The U.S. withdrawal from the UNFCCC is a further blow to climate cooperation and a demonstration of U.S. foreign policy volatility.
The United States in Retreat
Whatever the modest cost-savings that are generated by this U.S. withdrawal from the multilateral system, the loss of long-term influence will be far greater.
Nine Stories That Deserved More Attention in 2025 – and Might Shape 2026
What stories or topics merited more attention in 2025, and which might inform law and policy conversations in 2026?
COP 30 in Belem: The COP of Surprises
The U.S. State Department's former lead climate lawyer analyzes the many surprising and unusual aspects of COP 30 negotiations in Belem.
As Solar Geoengineering Enters its Startup Phase, Governments Must Address Emerging Security Risks
Without regulation, the dangers of solar radiation modification will become magnified and the security risks more unchecked.
Just Security’s Climate Archive
A catalog of articles analyzing the diplomatic, political, legal, security, and humanitarian consequences of the international climate crisis.
The Brewing Egypt-Ethiopia Nile River Conflict is Ripe for “Solving”
An agreement to resolve the dam conflict has long been drafted. Trump could be the "closer" engaging Presidents Abiy and el-Sisi for a deal.
Crisis as Catalyst: The Past, Present, and Future of International Law
To see crisis as catalyst is to reject fatalism and to believe that law can be both a shield and a compass in turbulent times. #ILW2025 aims to honor that belief.
Attacks on Nature, Atrocities Against People: The Case for Environmental Harm as a 12th Crime Against Humanity
Addressing the global environmental crisis requires urgent action, and this new treaty offers States an unprecedented opportunity to confront it directly and decisively.
Trump Signals Instrumental Approach to U.N. – But it Could Be Worse
Trump's General Assembly speech could have been worse, but it also showed that if countries want to make the U.N. system work, they can't bank on U.S. leadership.
Xi’s Climate Announcement: A Disappointment, Not a Breakthrough
China’s climate announcement — coupled with the U.S. withdrawal — has alarmed many in terms of the viability of the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal.
Washington’s Multilateral Retreat Creates an Opening for State and Local Leaders
U.S. state and local leaders can fill voids left as the Trump administration cuts and even exits multilateral organizations.