Environmental Law, The Earth Charter, and Ecological Civilizations with Nicholas Robinson
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Listen to this episode: Duration: 42 min.
Quick Overview
Professor Nicholas Robinson first explains the history of environmental law and the role of the IUCN in its development. He then continues to discuss the importance of the Earth Charter, its connection to environmental law, and its current relevance. Dr. Robinson believes that the Earth Charter is unique because of the diversity and number of people involved in its drafting. This resulted in a consensus on shared principles and ethics accepted by people all over the world. Robinson sees the Earth Charter as a beacon amidst the current anxiety about the environment and believes that it provides a framework to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, Dr. Robinson discusses the concept of ecological civilizations and how it could be the answer to capitalism.
Questions and Topics Addressed in this Episode
- What role did you and the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law play in the drafting of the Earth Charter?
- What is the International Covenant on Environment and Development? What is the relationship between the Covenant and the Earth Charter?
- What is the role of ethics and values in the development of law and policies
- What are your thoughts on the contributions and relevance of the Earth Charter to current times?
- What is the difference between soft and hard law? Can the Earth Charter be considered a soft law instrument?
- IUCN adopted a resolution on the Earth Charter in 2004. What is the significance of this?
- What is the Global Pact for the Environment, and where does it now stand
- How do you envision the future of environmental law? What are its drivers and obstacles?
- What is an Ecological Civilization, and what are its key requirements?
Nicholas Robinson
Environmental Law, The Earth Charter, and Ecological Civilizations
Who is Nicholas Robinson?
Professor Nicholas A. Robinson is Professor of Law, University Professor on the Environment and Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law Emeritus, PACE University. He has worked in environmental law since 1969 and is recognized as a pioneer in the field. He founded the environmental law program at Pace University and has taught there for forty-five years. He was the Chair of the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law and also founder and first chair of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law. He has held positions on numerous legal advisories and boards at the national and international levels and edited proceedings for the 1992 UN Earth Summit. He also helped draft the UN World Charter for Nature.
This podcast is developed by Earth Charter International as part of our work as UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development with the Earth Charter.
