The legal framework for non-offsetting removals and collective action: climate as a common heritage of humankind

Paulo Magalhães*, Leonardo Costa

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

In 2021, the International Law Commission (ILC) recognized the need to distinguish between sovereignty over static territories and the Earth System in its functional aspect. This acknowledgment of two fundamentally different realities—one dynamic and functional, the other static and territorial—enables a legal framework to address climate stability as an intangible legal object, akin to software. This distinction is crucial to prevent the atmosphere and oceans from being garbage dumps for economic negative externalities. This article discusses the recognition of the Earth System's functional aspect as a Common Heritage of Humankind in fostering collective action and non- offsetting CO2 removals to control climate change.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOrdem internacional
Subtitle of host publicationos desafios da contemporaneidade
EditorsMiguel de Oliveira Estanqueiro Rocha, Isabel Maria Freitas Valente
Place of PublicationSão Paulo
PublisherRede VCC
Pages120-158
Number of pages39
ISBN (Electronic)9786527209089
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Climate change
  • Common heritage of human kind
  • Collective action
  • Non-offsetting removals of CO2

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