International Environmental Law in the Anthropocene: Addressing the Gaps Towards ‘Sustainable Development Law’

Abstract

Modern human societies face a complex socio-ecological crisis marked by unsustainable use of natural resources and increasing environmental degradation. This can be seen as a result of a development model that often neglects planetary boundaries, putting at risk the “safe operating space” for humanity. All of this characterize an era in which humankind has become the force shaping the future of the planet: the Anthropocene. In this context, international environmental law (IEL) is faced with multiple challenges, given its reactive and fragmented nature, and needs to rethink its fundaments in light of anthropogenic global socio-environmental problems. This chapter discusses the role and gaps of IEL through the lenses of sustainable development, and how a different approach could be promoted to face such challenges.