Universal Civil Jurisdiction: An Option for Global Justice in Climate Change Litigation

Abstract

The global action against climate change has been largely ineffective. In view of this, peoples and nations that are most vulnerable to the ravages of climate change (e.g., small island states) may have to develop new strategies to combat the phenomenon. Indeed, some peoples and communities already bearing the brunt of climate change are resorting to self-help measures including litigation. I argue that the doctrine of universal civil jurisdiction could be the new dynamic in the quest for international climate justice. I examine how it could potentially help small island states, and other low-lying coastal states, to hold polluting corporations liable for their contributions to climate change