amend their offerings to exclude these events. 5.Corporate accountability: As the global community becomes more concerned about environmental degradation, corporations that contribute significantly to carbon emissions and environmental pollution will face increased legal scrutiny. This will encompass not only direct legal action against polluters but also shareholder disputes about a company’s approach to environmental concerns. 6.Land loss and sovereignty: Rising sea-levels will submerge some territories, leading to disputes over land ownership and national sovereignty. This could affect maritime boundaries, exclusive economic zones and access to marine resources. 7. Public health litigation: Climate change has indirect health effects such as the spread of vector-borne diseases. Affected communities or individuals may seek legal redress against entities they perceive as responsible, whether they be local administrations, industries, or even nations. 8.Human rights violations: Climate change repercussions are being framed as human rights issues. For instance, if a government fails to adequately protect its citizens from the foreseeable harm of climate change or does not provide adequate support in the aftermath of extreme events, it could be seen as violating human rights. Refer to the recent court decision in Montana. 9.Biodiversity and conservation: Climate change threatens many species, leading to potential extinction. Legal battles will ensue over habitat protection, conservation methods and the rights of indigenous communities linked to these ecosystems. 10.Trade and agriculture: Changing climatic patterns affect agriculture, leading to crop failures or reduced yields. This could result in trade disputes and challenges related to food security and exports and imports. This is particularly so as we witness the reemergence of geopolitics after decades of geoeconomics. 11.Regulatory and compliance disputes: As nations establish more stringent regulations to combat climate change, industries will likely challenge these in courts, leading to prolonged legal battles over the extent and nature of regulations and the meaning of a just energy transition. These disputes will not only shape policies and behaviours at national and international levels but will also define the rights, obligations and responsibilities of entities ranging from individuals and local communities to global conglomerates and nations. You have mentioned elsewhere that you believe conflict is necessary for growth. How significant do you expect the conflicts created by climate change to become? Climate change may result in global conflict on a scale we have never seen. Its impact on global peace and security is of significant concern to policymakers, strategists and scholars. The potential magnitude of global conflict precipitated by climate change can be understood by 52 LAWYER MONTHLY OCTOBER 2023 Climate change is a catalyst for potential global conflict on a scale we have never seen.
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