Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 October 2025
Chapter 1 sets the scene for the book by introducing the human rights impacts of long-term environmental harm and the limitations of international human rights law in responding to those problems. It presents the rationale for the book, arguing that human rights law ought to contribute to intergenerational justice through better protection of future generations’ rights. Furthermore, in order for human rights law to be effective in guarding against the human rights impacts caused by serious environmental harm, it must be able to address future threats, not just current harms. A more future-oriented approach to human rights protections would also help align the law more meaningfully with non-Western and Indigenous views of intergenerational rights and responsibilities.
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